Pennsylvania coroner details causes of two infant deaths amid measles outbreak

Lancaster County coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni said the two infant deaths linked to the recent measles outbreak in Pennsylvania had different causes. Ivan Miller, who died shortly after birth on Aug. 14, was found to have died from a ruptured spleen; measles was listed on his death certificate as a contributing condition but not as a cause. Mary Stoltzfus, 6 weeks old, died on Aug. 18 at home after contracting measles; she was born with Amish lethal microcephaly, a genetic disorder that typically limits survival to six months, and the infection was deemed the direct cause of death.

Diamantoni disclosed his findings in response to a state right-to-know request and said he had informed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has not yet decided whether to count the deaths as measles-associated. Neither child was old enough for the first measles vaccine, normally administered at about one year of age.

The deaths have drawn national attention and political commentary. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro cited vaccination as a preventive measure, while Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Trump administration appointee, questioned the accuracy of the reports. The CDC’s measles webpage was temporarily updated to note two measles-related deaths before reverting to a statement that further review is needed.

State officials reported that the measles outbreak continues, with more than 600 cases across 37 counties this year. Health experts attribute the rise in cases to declining vaccination rates, which have fallen below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity.