Pennsylvania confirms two measles-associated deaths, including newborn, amid political dispute

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed that two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County died with measles present, marking the first measles-related deaths in the state in 35 years and the first in the United States this year. One of the victims was a newborn who tested positive for measles but died shortly after birth from a ruptured spleen, according to Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni, who said the spleen injury was not caused by the virus.

The state Department of Health said both individuals tested positive for measles and that the deaths were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Secretary of Health Debra Bogen noted that the department could not release death-certificate details due to privacy rules.

The announcements sparked a public dispute. Governor Josh Shapiro accused anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of spreading misinformation about vaccine safety, while Kennedy alleged the deaths might have been fabricated and criticized the administration for not cooperating with the CDC. Kennedy posted on X that the governor was "gaslighting" and suggested the state was withholding information.

Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons also questioned whether the deaths were "of measles or with measles" and called for more transparency. Vaccine expert Paul Offit said the coroner’s investigation provides limited new information and warned that incomplete data could fuel anti-vaccination narratives.

The outbreak, which began in April, has infected more than 400 people across 29 counties, with nearly 200 cases in Lancaster County alone. Health officials warned that measles remains highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.