RFK Jr. has raised questions about the legitimacy of two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania, claiming they may have been fabricated amid a growing dispute with state officials.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has alleged that the two measles-associated deaths reported in Pennsylvania may have been “fabricated,” as tensions rise between him and Governor Josh Shapiro regarding the ongoing outbreak.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the two deaths on Tuesday, noting that both individuals were unvaccinated. This marks the state’s first measles-related fatalities in 35 years, according to the DOH’s announcement.
The confirmation followed statements from Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni, who indicated that one of the deceased was a newborn who died shortly after birth due to a lacerated spleen and had tested positive for measles acquired before birth, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Diamantoni’s office is still investigating the newborn’s death, and he stated that he was not aware of the other reported death, according to Axios.
The DOH clarified that not all deaths are referred to a coroner under state law. They use the term “measles-associated” when there is laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles present, even if a coroner or medical certifier does not identify measles as the immediate cause of death.
Measles can affect the spleen, potentially leading to enlargement and, in rare cases, rupture, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News. He noted that pregnant women, newborns, and young infants face a higher risk of severe complications from measles, particularly infants who are too young to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
In a post on X, RFK Jr. questioned whether Pennsylvania officials had provided adequate information to substantiate the claims of the two measles-associated deaths. Following the coroner’s remarks, he suggested that the state had not shared relevant information with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implied that the deaths could have been “fabricated.” He stated, “The announcement appears to have been premature, and the deaths may even have been altogether fabricated by one of the Governor’s hopeful staffers.” He also accused Governor Shapiro and his office of “fearmongering, misinformation, finger-pointing, and the weaponization of infectious disease fears for political gain.”
In response, Governor Shapiro emphasized during a press conference that the reported deaths illustrate the “real-life consequences” of misinformation regarding the measles vaccine. He later claimed on X that Kennedy had “stoked confusion amongst parents and others — and the result has been less protection from measles and more cases.”
The CDC also weighed in on the debate, expressing appreciation for RFK Jr.’s efforts to “clarify conflicting information” about the cause of the two reported deaths. The agency stated, “CDC is working to determine what actually occurred. These discrepancies raise important questions, particularly because the Governor’s Office has not provided CDC with information relevant to the outbreak and has declined our offers of assistance.” They added, “Under President Trump’s and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, CDC will follow the facts and tell the American people the truth.”
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen disputed the CDC’s account, asserting that the two deaths were reported to the agency’s measles response team early Tuesday morning. In a post on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s X account, Bogen stated that she had reviewed the case investigations and confirmed that both individuals tested positive for measles.
Meanwhile, Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons expressed skepticism regarding the evidence linking the two deaths to measles, citing information he received from the county coroner’s office, as reported by Local21 News.
Dr. Siegel noted that measles can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of pneumonia, which may arise from the virus itself or from secondary bacterial infections. He explained, “If the impact of measles on the immune system or stress on other major organs as a result of the disease leads to death, that would be a measles-associated death.” He further elaborated that when a patient has both measles and another immediate cause of death, several factors must be considered in determining whether the virus contributed to the fatality.
As of Friday, Lancaster County is at the center of Pennsylvania’s current measles outbreak, with the state reporting 424 confirmed cases and 73 hospitalizations. The situation continues to evolve as health officials and political leaders navigate the complexities surrounding vaccine misinformation and public health.
Fox News Digital reached out to the involved government officials for comments regarding the ongoing situation.