CDC Removes Pennsylvania Measles Deaths From National Tally Amid Federal Scrutiny

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed two measles-associated deaths reported by the US state of Pennsylvania from the federal government’s national tally, in a move directed by the agency’s director, according to US media. The decision comes as the US records its highest number of measles cases in 35 years, and as concerns grow regarding the administration of US President Donald Trump’s response to the outbreak.

Erica Schwartz, who was sworn in as CDC director in August, ordered the deaths to be excluded from the agency’s weekly measles update, according to current and former officials quoted by several US media organisations, including the New York Times. The CDC had initially added the two cases to the website tracking national measles deaths, but later removed them, posting a notice stating it was reviewing additional information about the cases.

“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,” the CDC website read on Tuesday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on August 25 that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents had died in cases classified as “measles-associated”. They marked the state’s first such deaths in 35 years.

“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen said in a statement following the announcement. “As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”

Questions over health policy arose after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr publicly questioned Pennsylvania’s cases. In a post on X, Kennedy suggested the announcement may have been fabricated, and later stated on Fox News that he wanted resources redirected toward chronic disease rather than infectious disease.

The CDC’s decision has sparked concerns over the Trump administration second-guessing state public health determinations. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has disputed the federal account, stating that epidemiologists thoroughly investigated both cases. Critics and medical organisations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have also raised alarms over recent executive orders and health policies impacting childhood immunizations.