Nisha Pandey

Why Has CDC Challenged The Report Of Two Measles Deaths In Pennsylvania?

Why New CDC Director Has Challenged Report Of Two Measles Deaths In Pennsylvania?

The growing <span>measles outbreak</span> in Pennsylvania has taken a political turn after the <span>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (<span>CDC</span>) declined to include two deaths reported by the state in its latest national database.

Pennsylvania health officials had reported the deaths on August 25, describing them as “measles-associated.” But the CDC said it was reviewing additional information about the circumstances around the deaths before including them in the national tally. 

The disagreement has since become a public clash between Pennsylvania Gov. <span>Josh Shapiro</span> and new CDC director Dr. <span>Erica Schwartz</span> and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This has raised questions as it shunned the standard practice of CDC accepting state government's data to determine the report deaths from infectious diseases.

<h2>Why Did The CDC Leave Out The Two Deaths From National Tally?</h2>

The CDC's website currently says, “This week's <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-measles-outbreak-pennsylvania-reports-first-deaths-of-2026-as-trump-pushes-back-on-vaccines-article-155985621" data-type="tilCustomLink">measles outbreaks</a> update will not include the two <span>measles</span>-associated deaths reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on August 25 while CDC reviews additional information regarding the circumstances and causes of death. At this time, 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. CDC will update the national count as additional information becomes available."

The Department of Health and Human Services said, "The deaths have not been confirmed based on the information currently available to CDC.”

Pennsylvania, however, maintains that it followed the standard process. State Health Department spokesperson Neil Ruhland said, “Every reported measles case is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it meets the CDC's definition for a measles case. To date, DOH has provided all required epidemiological data to the CDC.” 

The state has described the deaths as “<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/maryland-declares-measles-outbreak-in-3-counties-after-14-new-cases-among-unvaccinated-individuals-surface-article-155981352" data-type="tilCustomLink">measles-associated</a>,” a term used when there is laboratory or epidemiological evidence of measles, even if the virus is not determined to be the immediate cause of death.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-in-us-3-states-report-significant-uptick-in-cases-how-to-spot-initial-symptoms-article-156020304" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles In US: 3 More States Report Significant Uptick In Cases; How To Spot Initial Symptoms?</a>

One of the cases involved a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/tivicay-us-fda-approves-drug-to-treat-hiv-in-newborns-article-155987201" data-type="tilCustomLink">newborn</a> who died shortly after birth. The baby had tested positive for measles after the mother had been infected. However, Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni said the immediate cause of death was a ruptured spleen, which further complicated the debate.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-outbreak-in-sweden-21-cases-confirmed-linked-to-music-festival-article-155908662" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles</a> is best known for complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, but the infection can also cause inflammation that makes the spleen more fragile and potentially vulnerable to rupture. 

The coroner has said he does not believe measles was the cause of death, although measles was listed on the baby's death certificate as a contributing condition. Details about the second death have not been publicly disclosed.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-infant-among-two-unvaccinated-deaths-reported-in-us-article-155993705" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles: Infant Among Two Unvaccinated Deaths Reported In US</a>

<h2>Motive Behind CDC’s Unusual Decision </h2>

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Historically, the CDC has relied on state and local health departments to report measles cases, hospitalisations and associated deaths. According to <em>The Washington Post</em>, former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry called the move a departure from that practice:

She said, “CDC has historically relied on the expertise of state and local health departments.” 

The dispute comes as Pennsylvania is dealing with its largest measles outbreak in three decades. As of Monday, the state had reported 497 measles cases and 87 hospitalisations, with 100 new cases recorded in just one week.

Nationally, the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/covid-is-rising-again-in-the-us-but-with-new-symptoms-heres-what-doctors-say-article-155989398" data-type="tilCustomLink">CDC's</a> latest update listed 2,887 confirmed measles cases across 47 states, plus 16 cases among international visitors. 

Measles is one of the most <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/what-trumps-childhood-vaccine-order-means-when-will-it-take-effect-article-155601512" data-type="tilCustomLink">contagious infectious diseases</a>. An infected person can spread the virus to around nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Most people recover, but measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.

The virus is particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. That is why public health experts are worried that the argument over two deaths could distract from the larger issue.

Paul Offit, a physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told <em>The Inquirer</em>, “It’s August. This is only going to get worse. What can we do to prevent more children suffering and being hospitalized?” 

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The growing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has taken a political turn after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declined to include two deaths reported by the state in its latest national database.Pennsylvania health officials had reported the deaths on August 25, describing them as “measles-associated.” But the CDC said it was reviewing additional information about the circumstances around the deaths before including them in the national tally. The disagreement has since become a public clash between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and new CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This has raised questions as it shunned the standard practice of CDC accepting state government's data to determine the report deaths from infectious diseases.Why Did The CDC Leave Out The Two Deaths From National Tally?The CDC's website currently says, “This week's measles outbreaks update will not include the two measles-associated deaths reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on August 25 while CDC reviews additional information regarding the circumstances and causes of death. At this time, 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. CDC will update the national count as additional information becomes available."The Department of Health and Human Services said, "The deaths have not been confirmed based on the information currently available to CDC.”Pennsylvania, however, maintains that it followed the standard process. State Health Department spokesperson Neil Ruhland said, “Every reported measles case is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it meets the CDC's definition for a measles case. To date, DOH has provided all required epidemiological data to the CDC.” The state has described the deaths as “measles-associated,” a term used when there is laboratory or epidemiological evidence of measles, even if the virus is not determined to be the immediate cause of death.Also read: Measles In US: 3 More States Report Significant Uptick In Cases; How To Spot Initial Symptoms?One Death Involved A NewbornOne of the cases involved a newborn who died shortly after birth. The baby had tested positive for measles after the mother had been infected. However, Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni said the immediate cause of death was a ruptured spleen, which further complicated the debate.Measles is best known for complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, but the infection can also cause inflammation that makes the spleen more fragile and potentially vulnerable to rupture. The coroner has said he does not believe measles was the cause of death, although measles was listed on the baby's death certificate as a contributing condition. Details about the second death have not been publicly disclosed.Also read: Measles: Infant Among Two Unvaccinated Deaths Reported In USMotive Behind CDC’s Unusual Decision       Historically, the CDC has relied on state and local health departments to report measles cases, hospitalisations and associated deaths. According to The Washington Post, former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry called the move a departure from that practice:She said, “CDC has historically relied on the expertise of state and local health departments.” The dispute comes as Pennsylvania is dealing with its largest measles outbreak in three decades. As of Monday, the state had reported 497 measles cases and 87 hospitalisations, with 100 new cases recorded in just one week.Nationally, the CDC's latest update listed 2,887 confirmed measles cases across 47 states, plus 16 cases among international visitors. Why Is Measles Dangerous?Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. An infected person can spread the virus to around nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Most people recover, but measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.The virus is particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. That is why public health experts are worried that the argument over two deaths could distract from the larger issue.Paul Offit, a physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Inquirer, “It’s August. This is only going to get worse. What can we do to prevent more children suffering and being hospitalized?” 