Two additional fatalities have been added to Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak, bringing the confirmed death toll to four. Despite the increase, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public dashboard continues to show zero measles deaths for the year.
Governor’s appeal to the CDC
During an appearance on CNN’s “The Source” on Wednesday night, Governor Josh Shapiro urged the CDC to revise its dashboard before the state accepts federal assistance. Shapiro said he would not accept help until the agency acknowledges the deaths, accusing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of intervening in the reporting process.
In a Tuesday social‑media post, Shapiro claimed Kennedy “personally intervened in an otherwise administrative process to direct the CDC to not report these Pennsylvania deaths.” Kennedy denied the allegation, stating the CDC follows its own standards for classifying measles‑related deaths.
Verification of the deaths
The first two measles‑associated deaths were announced by the state in late August. At that time, Kennedy questioned whether the deaths had occurred. Lancaster County’s coroner later confirmed both cases, identifying the victims as infants who had contracted measles.
The two new deaths were reported this week, but a CDC spokesperson said the agency is in contact with state officials about the cases and has offered on‑the‑ground assistance.
Outbreak context and vaccine response
Public health officials say vaccine skepticism and misinformation, including messages from the former Trump administration, have complicated containment efforts. “I’d like to think that just telling them about the facts of the matter is what will do it, but that does not necessarily seem to be the case always,” said Dr. Stanley Martin, director of infectious diseases at Geisinger.
Martin noted that declining vaccination rates have eroded herd immunity, creating “chinks in the armor” that leave vulnerable individuals at risk. He added that this is the first measles case he has seen in his career; the disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 731 measles cases have been reported in the state so far this year, making it one of the nation’s largest outbreaks. The department has administered nearly 7,000 doses of the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine this year, including more than 1,000 doses in the current month.
Doctors on the ground are operating vaccine clinics and disseminating information to counter misinformation. The situation remains fluid as case numbers continue to rise.
A version of this story aired on NPR’s Morning Edition on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
