RFK Jr. Linked to 230-Case Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak After Amish Vaccine Push
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
RFK Jr. Linked to 230-Case Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak After Amish Vaccine Push
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
Summary
More than 230 measles cases and dozens of hospitalizations have been reported in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, now one of the largest U.S. outbreaks.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is tied to the outbreak through years of vaccine-skeptic messaging in the same communities, including a 2021 appearance before local Amish residents warning against public health agencies.
Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group Kennedy once led, also helped fuel distrust in Mennonite and Amish populations that often avoid traditional health care, leading some local doctors to say the case count is likely understated.
Kennedy recently rejected blame, saying the outbreaks were concentrated in religious communities that do not vaccinate, even as the report argues his activism helped deepen resistance there.