Concerns grow over federal health reporting as officials review fatalities, raising questions about measles surveillance, accountability, and protection for vulnerable communities.

Two recent Pennsylvania measles deaths have been left out of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) national measles tally, prompting concerns among former health officials over the agency’s handling of state-reported fatalities. The CDC says it is reviewing additional information to determine whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths, while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly questioned whether the fatalities were genuinely linked to the virus.

CDC Delays Inclusion of Pennsylvania Deaths

There were two deaths that have been associated with the disease in Pennsylvania in August, one of which is of a baby born with the mother being severely affected by the disease during premature birth. But neither of the cases has been included in the 2026 national total by the CDC. Instead, its measles webpage now marks the figure with an asterisk while the agency reviews the circumstances.

As former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry pointed out, it was quite an unusual step. In particular, she highlighted the fact that deaths due to measles were taken into account while calculating the nationwide number of fatalities in the previous year in Texas and New Mexico.

Key points:

  • Pennsylvania reported two measles-associated deaths in August.

  • CDC has delayed adding both deaths nationally.

  • Officials are reviewing circumstances surrounding the reported fatalities.

  • Kennedy has questioned whether Pennsylvania deaths were fabricated.

  • Experts warn the approach could weaken state cooperation.

Health Officials Question CDC Approach

The CDC traditionally relies on states to report nationally notifiable diseases and generally does not independently adjudicate every reported case unless additional assistance is requested. Houry warned that the current approach could strain cooperation between federal and state health authorities.

The debate heated up when Kennedy wrongly claimed that three individuals had succumbed to the disease in the last decade in America. The truth is that there have been three cases of death linked to the disease in America in just one year.

Measles Risks Highlight Vaccine Concerns

The Pennsylvania cases have also renewed attention on measles outbreaks in the United States, particularly the risks faced by infants, pregnant people and others vulnerable to complications. The United States has recently fallen below the vaccination coverage level generally needed to prevent sustained measles transmission.

The reported newborn death involved an Amish family in Lancaster County. According to accounts cited by media outlets, the mother became seriously ill with measles before going into labor about a month early. The infant was born with a pulse but was unable to breathe and could not be resuscitated.

Kennedy has previously expressed support for some Amish communities’ resistance to vaccination and has faced criticism over his statements about measles and vaccines. Meanwhile, he has emphasized foodborne illness as a greater public health priority, despite recent deaths associated with a major cyclospora outbreak.

Thus, Business Fortune believes that transparent health reporting remains essential to maintaining public trust during measles outbreaks nationwide.

 

FAQs

How many measles deaths were reported in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania reported two measles-associated deaths in August 2026.

Why has the CDC excluded the deaths?

The CDC is reviewing additional information about their circumstances and causes.

Were there measles deaths in the US last year?

Yes. Three measles-associated deaths were reported in 2025.

Why are the Pennsylvania cases significant?

They raise questions about federal handling of state-reported measles fatalities.

Who is reviewing the Pennsylvania measles deaths?

The CDC says it is reviewing information before determining their national classification.