What to know about the dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Shapiro over 'measles-associated deaths'
Summary
Pennsylvania health officials reported two deaths linked to measles in 2026. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned whether the deaths were truly caused by measles, leading to a disagreement with Governor Josh Shapiro and local health experts about how to describe these deaths.Key Facts
- Pennsylvania announced two "measles-associated deaths," both in Lancaster County residents who were not vaccinated.
- The state's health department uses "measles-associated deaths" to track outbreaks, not to say measles was the direct cause.
- The county coroner said measles was not the confirmed cause of death for at least one of the deceased, a baby.
- Infectious disease experts explained that an infection like measles can contribute to death without being the sole cause.
- There is often a difference between a coroner's findings and public health reporting because of different purposes.
- Governor Shapiro promoted vaccinations and declined federal help after speaking with Health Secretary Kennedy.
- The disagreement and unclear details have led to confusion and misinformation about the deaths.
- The U.S. is experiencing a large increase in measles cases in 2026, with Pennsylvania reporting over 490 cases so far.
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