Measles deaths may have been 'fabricated,' RFK Jr claims after coroner raises questions

Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles-associated deaths in unvaccinated individuals, the state’s first in 35 years, but a county coroner has questioned the findings. RFK Jr. alleged the deaths might be fabricated, sparking a dispute with Gov. Josh Shapiro, who accused Kennedy of spreading misinformation. The CDC acknowledged discrepancies and is seeking to clarify the situation, while Pennsylvania health officials maintain their investigations were thorough.

• Pennsylvania reported two “measles-associated” deaths of unvaccinated individuals.
• A county coroner expressed uncertainty about the deaths, stating one newborn died shortly after birth from unrelated causes and had no record of measles deaths.
• RFK Jr. claimed the deaths could be fabricated and criticized Gov. Josh Shapiro for alleged fearmongering.
• Gov. Shapiro countered that Kennedy stoked confusion, leading to reduced protection against measles.
• The CDC stated it is working to determine what occurred and noted discrepancies in information provided by the Governor’s Office.
• Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen asserted that both deaths were investigated and confirmed positive for measles.
• Lancaster County, the center of the outbreak, has reported 424 confirmed cases and 73 hospitalizations.
• Measles can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations like newborns.