Full Breakdown

CDC Removes Pennsylvania Measles Deaths After Health Secretary’s Request

9/4/2026, 12:55:28 AM

Core Event: Removal of Deaths from CDC Measles Tally

The change followed a request from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for director Erica Schwartz to delete the reference.

Measles cases in the United States have risen to the highest level in more than three decades, with Pennsylvania alone reporting 540 cases this year. Declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy have been cited by medical organizations as key drivers of the resurgence. Kennedy, appointed by President Donald Trump, has a long-standing anti-vaccine stance and has repeatedly questioned whether measles contributed to reported fatalities.

Pennsylvania’s health department classified the two fatalities as “measles-associated.” Both individuals were unvaccinated and tested positive for the measles virus; one was a newborn who died from a ruptured spleen. Nationally, measles cases are at their highest point in over three decades.

Erica Schwartz, CDC director, carried out the removal but did not issue a public comment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health asserted it had provided all required epidemiological data to the CDC.

A HHS spokesperson later emphasized that the CDC’s decision reflects “the best available information” and the agency’s duty to distinguish known facts from unconfirmed data.

Public-health experts such as Dr. Anne Zink (Yale University) warned that questioning state-provided data could erode trust between federal and state health partners.

Pennsylvania labeled the deaths “measles-associated,” a term used when laboratory evidence of measles exists but the immediate cause of death may differ. The Lancaster County coroner reported no record of measles deaths, while the state health department maintained the classification.

The CDC has not disclosed what additional evidence it requires to confirm causality and has not completed paperwork to receive personally identifiable health records, which state law prohibits sharing.

“Delays in reporting of data further erode trust and create confusion.” — Neil Ruhland, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health

No further federal actions have been announced. The CDC’s weekly measles update schedule remains pending, and state officials have indicated they will continue providing de-identified epidemiological data as requested.