CDC Removes 2 Pennsylvania Measles Deaths From 2026 Tally as U.S. Cases Top 3,000
Updated
Updated · Truthout · Sep 8
CDC Removes 2 Pennsylvania Measles Deaths From 2026 Tally as U.S. Cases Top 3,000
3 articles · Updated · Truthout · Sep 8
Summary
Two Lancaster County measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania in late August were removed from CDC national fatality data last week after the agency said it was unsure measles caused them.
More than 3,000 confirmed U.S. measles cases have been recorded in 2026—the first time above that level since 1991—including more than 200 in Lancaster County alone.
Doctors including Paul Offit and Holmes Morton say the move downplays a worsening outbreak, noting one death involved a newborn infected in the womb and that measles can cause fatal complications such as a ruptured spleen.
RFK Jr. had already challenged Pennsylvania's account of the deaths and has long been accused of eroding confidence in MMR vaccination; critics say CDC leaders are bowing to political pressure instead of pushing urgent immunization outreach.
With schools reopening and measles capable of generating about 18 secondary infections per case, physicians warn the outbreak could accelerate sharply through winter.