CDC Deploys Epidemic Intelligence Scientist to Pennsylvania Amid Measles Surge
The CDC is sending a disease-detective from its Epidemic Intelligence Service to Pennsylvania to assist with a growing measles outbreak, following recent tensions between state officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a scientist from its Epidemic Intelligence Service will travel to Pennsylvania later this week to support efforts to contain a rising measles outbreak. The deployment marks the agency’s first on-site assistance to the state.
The move follows a public dispute in August between Pennsylvania Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Governor Josh Shapiro, during which Shapiro reported that two unvaccinated individuals had died from measles complications.
"I made very clear that his actions and the rhetoric that’s coming from this administration are having a negative impact on communities across America, particularly right here in Pennsylvania," Shapiro said at the briefing.
Kennedy responded by questioning the authenticity of the deaths and suggesting that Shapiro was using the incident for political gain.
"The deaths may have been fabricated, and the governor is seeking to profit from them politically," Kennedy suggested.
The CDC’s involvement aims to provide technical expertise and help coordinate vaccination outreach as health officials work to curb further spread of the disease.