RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
RFK Jr. said Pennsylvania's first measles deaths in 35 years may have been fabricated by a Shapiro staffer, and the CDC left them out of its count. Shapiro says Kennedy sowed doubt; Kennedy says the CDC waited for evidence.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Pennsylvania's health department uses the term measles-associated when laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles is present, even if a coroner does not list measles as the immediate cause of death. A Lancaster County commissioner said on August 25 that the county coroner had no reported deaths with measles as the immediate cause. The coroner said a newborn who died on August 14 had measles but died of a ruptured spleen. On September 4 he said a second infant, who also had a rare genetic disorder, died of measles.
Reuters reported on September 3, citing three anonymous sources, that Kennedy asked CDC Director Erica Schwartz to remove the two deaths from the agency's measles page. An HHS spokesperson called that report false and misleading and said CDC officials made the decision. Kennedy's September 4 post said the National Center for Health Statistics had no 2026 death records listing measles as the underlying cause. By October 26, Pennsylvania had recorded 1,360 measles cases this year; Reuters reported that the state counted five measles-related deaths and the CDC had confirmed three measles-associated deaths.
People in this case
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Directly involved
Josh ShapiroDirectly involved
Kerry KennedyCommented
Timeline
8 timeline entries on this page. Dates: August 25, 2026 to October 26, 2026
August 2026
Pennsylvania announces two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County
Incident
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died in the state's first measles-associated deaths in 35 years. Gov. Josh Shapiro announces them at a news conference in Lancaster County, and the CDC's X account extends condolences.
[01]FactCheck.org
FactCheck.org analysis of what was known about Pennsylvania's two measles-associated deaths, the Lancaster County coroner's account of an infant's death and the state's definition of a measles-associated death.
What We Know About Pennsylvania's Two 'Measles-Associated' Deaths · FactCheck.orgFull article[02]PBS NewsHour
PolitiFact timeline, published by PBS NewsHour, of the dispute over Pennsylvania's measles-associated deaths, from the August 25 announcement to the CDC's decision to leave the deaths out of its weekly update.
What to know about the dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Shapiro over 'measles-associated deaths' · PBS NewsHourFull article[03]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Post on the CDC's X account on the day Pennsylvania announced the deaths. HHS and CDC extend condolences, say CDC will follow Pennsylvania's lead, and recommend the MMR vaccine.
CDC post extending condolences on two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County · Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFull post, August 25, 2026County commissioner says the coroner has no measles-caused deaths
Claim
Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons posts that the county coroner's office has no reported cases where measles is the immediate cause of death, and one case of a person who died with measles but not from it.
[02]PBS NewsHour
PolitiFact timeline, published by PBS NewsHour, of the dispute over Pennsylvania's measles-associated deaths, from the August 25 announcement to the CDC's decision to leave the deaths out of its weekly update.
What to know about the dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Shapiro over 'measles-associated deaths' · PBS NewsHourFull article[01]FactCheck.org
FactCheck.org analysis of what was known about Pennsylvania's two measles-associated deaths, the Lancaster County coroner's account of an infant's death and the state's definition of a measles-associated death.
What We Know About Pennsylvania's Two 'Measles-Associated' Deaths · FactCheck.orgFull articleKennedy says the deaths may have been fabricated
Claim
Secretary Kennedy posts that the announcement appears to have been premature, that the deaths may have been fabricated by one of the governor's staffers, and that the county coroner has no record of any measles deaths.
[04]Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s post on X, quoting a Lancaster County commissioner's post. Kennedy criticizes Gov. Josh Shapiro's announcement of two measles deaths and says the deaths may have been fabricated by a member of the governor's staff.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s X post saying Pennsylvania's measles death announcement appears premature · Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Full post, August 26, 2026Pennsylvania's health secretary confirms both deaths
Reaction
Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen says the department's epidemiology team verified that both people tested positive for measles and that the deaths were reported to the CDC's measles response team.
[05]Pennsylvania Department of Health
Post on the Pennsylvania Department of Health's X account quoting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, posted as a reply to Secretary Kennedy's post. She says the department verified that both people tested positive for measles.
Pennsylvania Department of Health statement from Secretary Debra Bogen on two measles-associated deaths · Pennsylvania Department of HealthFull post, August 26, 2026, eveningCDC backs Kennedy's questions; the state disputes its account
Reaction
The CDC posts that it appreciates Kennedy's efforts to clarify conflicting information and is working to determine what occurred, and says the governor's office has not provided relevant information. The state health department replies that this is inaccurate and that it reports measles case information to the CDC every week.
[06]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Post on the CDC's X account, quoting Secretary Kennedy's August 26 post. The agency says it is working to determine what occurred and that the governor's office has not provided relevant information.
CDC post on Secretary Kennedy's efforts to clarify Pennsylvania's measles death reports · Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFull post, August 27, 2026[07]Pennsylvania Department of Health
Pennsylvania Department of Health post saying it is inaccurate to suggest the state has not given the CDC information about the outbreak, and that it reports measles case information to the CDC weekly.
Pennsylvania Department of Health reply on its contact with the CDC · Pennsylvania Department of HealthFull post, August 27, 2026
September 2026
Reuters reports Kennedy had the deaths removed from the CDC's tally
Source release
Reuters, citing three anonymous sources, reports that Kennedy asked CDC Director Erica Schwartz to remove the two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency's measles page. The CDC had said it would not include them while it reviewed the circumstances, and an HHS spokesperson calls the Reuters report false and misleading.
[08]MS NOW
MS NOW report on a Reuters account that Secretary Kennedy asked CDC Director Erica Schwartz to remove the two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency's measles page. It includes an HHS spokesperson's statement to MS NOW calling the Reuters report false and misleading.
[02]PBS NewsHour
PolitiFact timeline, published by PBS NewsHour, of the dispute over Pennsylvania's measles-associated deaths, from the August 25 announcement to the CDC's decision to leave the deaths out of its weekly update.
What to know about the dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Shapiro over 'measles-associated deaths' · PBS NewsHourFull articleCoroner says measles caused an infant's death; Kennedy says the CDC waited for evidence
Incident
Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni says one of the two infants died from measles; the baby also had Amish lethal microcephaly. Kennedy posts that the facts show why the CDC waited for the evidence and that Shapiro politicized the deaths.
[09]WGAL
WGAL report that Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni confirmed one of the two infants reported in August died from measles, while he attributes the other infant's death to a ruptured spleen.
Lancaster County baby died of measles, coroner says · WGALFull article[10]Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Secretary Kennedy's post on X, quoting Gov. Shapiro's post of the same day. Kennedy says the coroner has stated that measles caused the second infant's death and that the facts show why the CDC waited for evidence.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s X post on the Lancaster County coroner's finding · Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Full post, September 4, 2026
October 2026
Pennsylvania reports 1,360 measles cases this year
Source release
Reuters reports that the state health department has recorded 1,360 measles cases and five measles-related deaths in 2026, and that the CDC has confirmed three measles-associated deaths.
[11]Reuters
Reuters brief, as published by WSAU, on Pennsylvania's October 26 measles update. It reports 1,360 cases, five measles-related deaths reported by the state this year, and three measles-associated deaths confirmed by the CDC.
Pennsylvania measles cases rise to 1,360, state health department says · ReutersFull article
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
5 responses. Newest first.
Kerry KennedySister of Secretary Kennedy and president of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, in an interview on CNN's Erin Burnett OutFrontBefore this statement
Erin Burnett asks about the clash between Secretary Kennedy and Gov. Shapiro, notes that Pennsylvania is reporting a fourth measles-related death, and reads Shapiro's post accusing Kennedy of playing games with public health and his reply that MMR vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. She asks whether his messaging has contributed.
"Yeah, I think absolutely, his messaging on vaccine skepticism has 100% contributed to people not taking their vaccines."
CondemnedCase context: RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
Full statement and sources
Asked about her brother's clash with Shapiro over Pennsylvania's measles deaths, Kerry Kennedy says his messaging on vaccine skepticism has contributed to people not taking their vaccines.
After the statement
Kerry Kennedy then urges viewers to take their vaccines and says vaccine skepticism has to stop because it is not science-based and people, including children, are dying as a result.
Erin Burnett OutFront, aired September 15, 2026, 7-8p ET (rush transcript) · CNNSegment after [19:19:26] ET: 'KERRY KENNEDY, PRESIDENT, ROBERT & ETHEL KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER', third answer, after Burnett asks 'would you rather it stay closed or reopens with Trump's name on it?'CNN's Burnett Brings On Kerry Kennedy To Blame Brother RFK Jr. For Measles OutbreakTranscript excerpt of the September 15 Erin Burnett OutFront interviewWhy this label?
The case concerns Secretary Kennedy's response to Pennsylvania's measles deaths and outbreak. Asked about Shapiro's criticism of that response, Kerry Kennedy says his messaging on vaccine skepticism contributed to people not being vaccinated, which condemns his conduct.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Josh ShapiroGovernor of Pennsylvania, in a post on XDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The week before, the state health department reported Pennsylvania's first two measles-associated deaths in 35 years. On the morning of the post, WGAL reported that the Lancaster County coroner said one of the infants died from measles.
"Then, instead of listening to the real doctors and public health experts, RFK chose to sow doubt, play politics, direct the CDC not to acknowledge these deaths, and even accuse me of fabricating these tragedies."
CondemnedCase context: RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
Full statement and sources
Shapiro says that instead of listening to doctors and public health experts, Kennedy chose to sow doubt, play politics, direct the CDC not to acknowledge Pennsylvania's measles deaths and accuse him of fabricating them.
After the statement
He says this led to a firestorm of conspiracy theories that invaded the families' privacy and undermined public health, and calls on Kennedy to report the deaths accurately on the CDC dashboard and follow the guidance of medical experts.
Gov. Josh Shapiro's X post calling on Kennedy to report Pennsylvania's measles deaths on the CDC dashboard · Josh ShapiroFull post, September 4, 2026Lancaster County baby died of measles, coroner says · WGALFull articleWhy this label?
The case concerns Secretary Kennedy's response to Pennsylvania's reported measles deaths, including his suggestion that they may have been fabricated and the CDC's decision to leave them out of its count. Shapiro criticizes that response directly and asks Kennedy to report the deaths on the CDC dashboard, which condemns it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesHHS spokesperson, in a statement to MS NOWBefore this statement
MS NOW reports that Reuters, citing three anonymous sources, said Kennedy asked CDC Director Erica Schwartz to remove the two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency's measles page after CDC officials had accepted the state's assessment.
"CDC has a responsibility to ensure its reporting accurately distinguishes between what is known and what remains unconfirmed"
DeniedCase context: RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
Full statement and sources
An HHS spokesperson says the CDC has a responsibility to make its reporting distinguish between what is known and what remains unconfirmed, after a report that Kennedy had the Pennsylvania deaths removed from the CDC's tally.
After the statement
The spokesperson calls the Reuters report false and misleading, says CDC officials made the decision on the measles reporting, and says the information is the best available.
Why this label?
Reuters reported that Kennedy asked the CDC director to remove the two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency's measles page. The HHS spokesperson calls that report false and misleading and says CDC officials made the decision, which denies that Kennedy directed it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, in a post on its X accountDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The CDC's post quotes Kennedy's August 26 post. On August 25 its account had extended condolences to the families affected by two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County.
"We appreciate Secretary Kennedy's efforts to clarify conflicting information from Pennsylvania officials about whether the two reported deaths were caused by measles. CDC is working to determine what actually occurred."
Defended or excusedCase context: RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
Full statement and sources
The CDC says it appreciates Kennedy's efforts to clarify conflicting information from Pennsylvania officials about whether the two deaths were caused by measles, and that it is working to determine what occurred.
After the statement
The post says the governor's office has not provided the CDC with information relevant to the outbreak and has declined offers of assistance. The Pennsylvania Department of Health replied that it is inaccurate to suggest the state has not provided the CDC with relevant information.
CDC post on Secretary Kennedy's efforts to clarify Pennsylvania's measles death reports · Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFull post, August 27, 2026CDC post extending condolences on two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County · Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFull post, August 25, 2026Pennsylvania Department of Health reply on its contact with the CDC · Pennsylvania Department of HealthFull post, August 27, 2026Why this label?
The case concerns Secretary Kennedy's response to Pennsylvania's reported measles deaths, including his suggestion that they may have been fabricated and the CDC's decision to leave them out of its count. The CDC credits Kennedy's efforts to clarify whether the two deaths were caused by measles and repeats his complaint that the governor's office withheld information, which backs his challenge to the state's reports. It does not repeat his suggestion that the deaths were fabricated.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Pennsylvania Department of HealthPennsylvania Department of Health, quoting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen in a post on XDirectly involved Before this statement
Earlier on August 26, Kennedy posted that the announcement appeared premature and that the deaths may have been fabricated by one of the governor's staffers. The department's post quotes his post.
"As a pediatrician with more than 30 years of caring for children, I have thoroughly reviewed the case investigation information and sadly can confirm that there were two recent measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, which were reported to the CDC's measles response team early Tuesday morning."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
Full statement and sources
Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen says she has reviewed the case investigation information and can confirm two recent measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, which the department reported to the CDC's measles response team.
After the statement
The statement says the department's epidemiology team verified that both people tested positive for measles, that state law does not require the department to report deaths to coroners, and that its staff meet regularly with CDC professional staff.
Pennsylvania Department of Health statement from Secretary Debra Bogen on two measles-associated deaths · Pennsylvania Department of HealthFull post, August 26, 2026, eveningRobert F. Kennedy Jr.'s X post saying Pennsylvania's measles death announcement appears premature · Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Full post, August 26, 2026Why this label?
The case concerns Secretary Kennedy's response to Pennsylvania's reported measles deaths, including his suggestion that they may have been fabricated and the CDC's decision to leave them out of its count. Bogen's statement, posted in reply to Kennedy, confirms the deaths and describes how they were verified, which challenges his account of them.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(14)
Original post
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s X post saying Pennsylvania's measles death announcement appears premature
About this source
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s post on X, quoting a Lancaster County commissioner's post. Kennedy criticizes Gov. Josh Shapiro's announcement of two measles deaths and says the deaths may have been fabricated by a member of the governor's staff.
- Author
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
CNN's Burnett Brings On Kerry Kennedy To Blame Brother RFK Jr. For Measles Outbreak
Relevant passage: Transcript excerpt of the September 15 Erin Burnett OutFront interview
About this source
NewsBusters, the Media Research Center's media-criticism blog, transcribes Kerry Kennedy's September 15, 2026, CNN interview about her brother and Pennsylvania's measles deaths and criticizes the segment.
- Author
- Steve Malzberg
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Lancaster County baby died of measles, coroner says
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
WGAL report that Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni confirmed one of the two infants reported in August died from measles, while he attributes the other infant's death to a ruptured spleen.
- Author
- Sarah Metts and Susan Shapiro
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Pennsylvania measles cases rise to 1,360, state health department says
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Reuters brief, as published by WSAU, on Pennsylvania's October 26 measles update. It reports 1,360 cases, five measles-related deaths reported by the state this year, and three measles-associated deaths confirmed by the CDC.
- Author
- Siddhi Mahatole
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
What We Know About Pennsylvania's Two 'Measles-Associated' Deaths
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
FactCheck.org analysis of what was known about Pennsylvania's two measles-associated deaths, the Lancaster County coroner's account of an infant's death and the state's definition of a measles-associated death.
- Author
- Jessica McDonald
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
What to know about the dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Shapiro over 'measles-associated deaths'
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
PolitiFact timeline, published by PBS NewsHour, of the dispute over Pennsylvania's measles-associated deaths, from the August 25 announcement to the CDC's decision to leave the deaths out of its weekly update.
- Author
- PolitiFact
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Report: Kennedy intervened to prevent 2 deaths from being included in CDC measles tally
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
MS NOW report on a Reuters account that Secretary Kennedy asked CDC Director Erica Schwartz to remove the two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency's measles page. It includes an HHS spokesperson's statement to MS NOW calling the Reuters report false and misleading.
- Author
- Julianne McShane
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s X post on the Lancaster County coroner's finding
About this source
Secretary Kennedy's post on X, quoting Gov. Shapiro's post of the same day. Kennedy says the coroner has stated that measles caused the second infant's death and that the facts show why the CDC waited for evidence.
- Author
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Gov. Josh Shapiro's X post calling on Kennedy to report Pennsylvania's measles deaths on the CDC dashboard
About this source
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's post on X, quoting a WGAL report that the Lancaster County coroner said a second infant died of measles. Shapiro criticizes Secretary Kennedy's response to the state's first two measles-associated deaths.
- Author
- Josh Shapiro
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
CDC post extending condolences on two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County
About this source
Post on the CDC's X account on the day Pennsylvania announced the deaths. HHS and CDC extend condolences, say CDC will follow Pennsylvania's lead, and recommend the MMR vaccine.
- Author
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
CDC post on Secretary Kennedy's efforts to clarify Pennsylvania's measles death reports
About this source
Post on the CDC's X account, quoting Secretary Kennedy's August 26 post. The agency says it is working to determine what occurred and that the governor's office has not provided relevant information.
- Author
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Pennsylvania Department of Health reply on its contact with the CDC
About this source
Pennsylvania Department of Health post saying it is inaccurate to suggest the state has not given the CDC information about the outbreak, and that it reports measles case information to the CDC weekly.
- Author
- Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Pennsylvania Department of Health statement from Secretary Debra Bogen on two measles-associated deaths
About this source
Post on the Pennsylvania Department of Health's X account quoting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, posted as a reply to Secretary Kennedy's post. She says the department verified that both people tested positive for measles.
- Author
- Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Erin Burnett OutFront, aired September 15, 2026, 7-8p ET (rush transcript)
Relevant passage: Segment after [19:19:26] ET: 'KERRY KENNEDY, PRESIDENT, ROBERT & ETHEL KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER', third answer, after Burnett asks 'would you rather it stay closed or reopens with Trump's name on it?'
Excerpt
"So, this is not an issue of bankruptcy. This is hostage-taking by the president of the United States."
About this source
CNN's rush transcript (may not be in final form) of the full hour. The punctuation of the quotation follows this transcript (hyphenated 'hostage-taking'; a comma after 'bankrupt'), and the words were confirmed against the audio.
- Published
- Accessed
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/rfk-jr-pennsylvania-measles-deaths-cdc-count
The Dispute Index. "RFK Jr. suggests Pennsylvania's measles deaths may have been fabricated; Shapiro says he sowed doubt and kept them off the CDC count". First published: 2026-10-31. Last updated: 2026-10-31. https://disputeindex.com/cases/rfk-jr-pennsylvania-measles-deaths-cdc-count