The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has refused to include two measles-related deaths from Pennsylvania in its national tally, marking an unprecedented challenge to state health authorities and intensifying a dispute between federal health officials and the state’s Democratic governor.
Federal Agency Questions State Determination
CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz personally ordered the exclusion of the Pennsylvania deaths from the agency’s weekly measles update, according to sources familiar with the decision. The agency delayed its routine Friday data release, then published the update over the weekend with an asterisk replacing the death count. The footnote stated that available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with measles.
Pennsylvania health officials maintain they conducted thorough investigations before reporting the deaths. Neil Ruhland, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, confirmed that every measles case undergoes comprehensive review to meet CDC case definitions. The state provided all required epidemiological data to the CDC regarding both deaths, which were announced on August 25.
Unusual Break From Standard Protocol
Public health experts characterized the decision as highly irregular. Dr. Nirav Shah, who served as the CDC’s principal deputy director until his February 2025 resignation, called the move remarkable. Shah explained that death counts related to any infection traditionally include people who tested positive and died within approximately 10 days, regardless of whether the infection directly caused death. The standard does not typically require determining whether someone died with an infection versus from an infection.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s office defended the decision. Press secretary Grace Davis Jamison stated that CDC has a responsibility to ensure accurate reporting and transparency. She emphasized that the administration prioritizes telling Americans the truth based on confirmed information rather than unverified claims.
Political Tensions Over Public Health
The controversy escalates ongoing tensions between Kennedy and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as the state battles a growing measles outbreak. The dispute highlights broader questions about federal oversight of state health reporting and the appropriate balance between verification standards and timely public health communication. Pennsylvania officials stand by their investigation methods and case determinations, while federal authorities insist on additional review before updating national statistics.
