Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times,
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns on Wednesday regarding the accuracy of information provided by Pennsylvania officials, suggesting that they may have falsely attributed deaths to measles.
According to Kennedy, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Gov. Josh Shapiro reported the first measles-related deaths in the state in 35 years, but subsequent investigations have cast doubt on the validity of these claims.
Kennedy’s post on X stated, “The announcement appears to have been premature, and the deaths may even have been altogether fabricated by one of the Governor’s hopeful staffers.” He pointed out that the Lancaster County Coroner had no record of any measles-related deaths, as required by state law.
Lancaster County Coroner Steve Diamantoni confirmed that his office had not handled any measles-related deaths. He explained that while an infant had died from a spleen laceration, measles was not considered the primary cause of death. The coroner’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the ruptured spleen.
Kennedy also mentioned the lack of information provided by Pennsylvania officials to the CDC regarding these deaths. He emphasized the need to verify the validity of the reported deaths.
Both individuals who passed away had tested positive for measles and were not vaccinated, as per the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The agency clarified that the term “measles-associated” is used when evidence of measles is present, even if it’s not deemed the immediate cause of death.
Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania’s health secretary, confirmed the measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County and reported them to the CDC. Additional details about the deaths were not disclosed.
State law mandates that deaths suspected to be due to contagious diseases must be investigated by a coroner. Following the announcement of these deaths, officials urged the public to consider getting vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“This illness and death from measles is completely preventable,” Shapiro emphasized during a briefing in Lancaster.
The CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for individuals aged one year and older. However, in outbreak areas, some states, including Pennsylvania, permit vaccination as early as six months of age.
These reported deaths mark the first cases of measles-related fatalities in the United States this year. Kennedy disputed previous measles-related deaths in 2025, suggesting that underlying health conditions were contributing factors.
Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons echoed concerns about the accuracy of the information provided, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the reported deaths.