CDC reported then deleted two measles deaths that were questioned by RFK Jr. - Ars Technica

The CDC, under new director Erica Schwartz, excluded two measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania officials from its national measles data, breaking with the long-standing precedent that states—not the CDC—determine cases and deaths.
Schwartz, less than a month into the job, reportedly directed staff to post a statement saying available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected.
The CDC's measles surveillance page was altered multiple times over the weekend: listed as "0" deaths for 2026 on August 29, updated to "2" on August 30, then changed again later that day to remove the deaths and replace them with an asterisk pointing to the disputed statement.
The controversy follows a public dispute between Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, during which Kennedy shared measles misinformation and suggested without evidence that the state may have "fabricated" the deaths.
The two who died were a newborn and a child, both unvaccinated and from Lancaster County; state health officials initially withheld details, citing privacy concerns.
Outside medical experts criticized the limited information released by health officials, arguing that the lack of transparency created more room for doubt and misinformation.