The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reviewing two measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania officials, which have been excluded from the agency’s official tally pending further investigation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the CDC’s parent agency, confirmed in a statement on September 1 that the deaths have not been confirmed based on currently available information. The CDC initially expressed condolences to affected families and reiterated that vaccination provides the most effective protection against measles and its spread. The agency delayed its weekly measles update on August 30, stating it would not include the deaths while reviewing additional details regarding the circumstances and causes of death.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health reported the two deaths on August 25, marking the first measles-associated fatalities in the U.S. in 2026. A spokesperson for the state agency stated that the term "measles-associated" refers to cases where laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles is present, even if the disease was not determined to be the immediate cause of death. The Lancaster County coroner confirmed to The Epoch Times that both individuals tested positive for measles, though the exact role of the virus in their deaths remains under review.
The CDC’s decision to exclude the deaths has drawn criticism from some medical professionals and public health experts. Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Independent that the move has eroded his trust in the CDC, alleging that the agency’s response may be politically motivated. He argued that the exclusion downplays the severity of measles and its consequences. Dr. Deb Houry, former CDC Chief Medical Officer under the Trump administration, echoed concerns about the inconsistency in how measles deaths are reported, noting that the CDC did not question similar reports in other states last year. Houry emphasized that the deaths, regardless of confirmation, represent a tragic outcome that warrants attention.
The Washington Examiner highlighted broader concerns about how measles deaths are counted in the U.S., pointing to the phenomenon of "immune amnesia," where measles can weaken the immune system for years after infection. The outlet cited research indicating that measles survivors may face increased vulnerability to unrelated infections, such as pneumonia or flu, for up to three years following the initial illness. This long-term impact, the report argues, complicates the way health officials tally measles-related fatalities, as deaths occurring months or years after infection may not be directly attributed to the virus.
As of the latest updates, nearly 400 measles cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, with 70 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak. The state’s health department continues to use the term "measles-associated" in its reporting, while the CDC has not provided a timeline for when the deaths may be included in its official count. The agency has not specified who made the decision to exclude the fatalities from the tally, and no additional measles deaths have been reported in the U.S. beyond Pennsylvania’s two cases.
Public health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing measles and its complications. The CDC maintains that its review process is standard procedure for verifying reported deaths and ensuring accuracy in its data. The agency has not indicated whether the exclusion of the Pennsylvania deaths reflects a broader shift in how measles fatalities are assessed nationally.