CDC Withholds Pennsylvania Measles Deaths Amid Federal-State Dispute

Key points

• The CDC is not counting two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania, stating it is reviewing additional information to determine if the virus caused or contributed to the deaths.
• Former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry described the exclusion as highly unusual, noting that states typically report cases without federal adjudication unless assistance is requested.
• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested the deaths may have been fabricated and criticized Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for using the deaths for political gain.
• Pennsylvania reported nearly 400 measles cases this year, with about half in Lancaster County, where vaccination rates for kindergartners are significantly below the 95% herd immunity threshold.
• The CDC’s decision to withhold the deaths from its 2026 count follows a delay in weekly updates and a temporary asterisk on its website, causing confusion among public health experts.

Background

The US declared measles eliminated in 2000, but recent years have seen a resurgence due to increased vaccine exemptions and shifting public health policies. In 2025, the US recorded three measles deaths, the first in a decade. The current outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader trend where vaccination rates in certain communities, particularly Amish and Mennonite areas in Lancaster County, have fallen below the level required for community protection. Previous archive coverage highlighted the political clash between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Kennedy over vaccine policy and the attribution of deaths.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and The Atlantic emphasize the unusual nature of the CDC’s decision and the potential damage to federal-state collaborative relationships, citing former CDC officials. CNN focuses on the human impact of the outbreak, detailing the exposure of vulnerable infants in hospitals and the challenges faced by immunocompromised individuals in Lancaster County. LancasterOnline provides local details on the coroner’s investigation into the second death. Kennedy’s perspective, as reported by The Guardian and The Atlantic, is that the deaths are politically motivated and potentially fabricated, while Pennsylvania officials and public health experts maintain the deaths are legitimate and linked to the outbreak. The outlets differ in their emphasis: The Guardian and The Atlantic focus on the institutional and political implications, while CNN highlights the public health consequences and individual stories.

Why it matters

The CDC’s decision to exclude the deaths from its national count could undermine public trust in federal health data and complicate the response to the ongoing measles outbreak. It highlights tensions between federal and state health authorities and the politicalization of public health issues. The outbreak in Pennsylvania, particularly in Lancaster County, underscores the risks of low vaccination rates and the vulnerability of unvaccinated communities to highly contagious diseases. The controversy may also influence public perception of vaccine safety and the role of government in managing infectious disease outbreaks.

What to watch

The CDC is expected to continue its review of the Pennsylvania cases, though it has not specified what additional information it is seeking. Pennsylvania officials may push back against the federal exclusion, potentially leading to further public disputes. The ongoing measles outbreak in Lancaster County will likely continue to strain local healthcare resources, with hospitals implementing stricter screening protocols to protect vulnerable patients. Public health experts will monitor vaccination rates and case numbers to assess the effectiveness of current containment measures.