RFK Jr. Acknowledges One Measles Death in Pennsylvania

• A 6-week-old infant in Pennsylvania died from measles, confirmed by the county coroner.
• The infant also had a genetic condition, Amish lethal microcephaly.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the infant's death was caused by measles.
• Kennedy stated the coroner determined measles caused only one of two reported deaths.
• The CDC is re-evaluating its classification and reporting of measles deaths.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged on Friday that measles caused the recent death of an infant in Pennsylvania, citing information from a county coroner. This statement comes after Kennedy had previously questioned whether the virus was the cause of two reported measles-associated deaths, leading to criticism from public health experts and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for allegedly interfering with state health authority and minimizing risks.

Kennedy posted on X that the Lancaster County Coroner had stated measles caused only the second infant's death and that the infant had Amish lethal microcephaly, a genetic condition typically resulting in a lifespan of about six months. The coroner reportedly rejected the statewide health department's determination that a second infant also died from measles.

The CDC updated its website to note that it was re-evaluating how it classified measles deaths to promote consistent reporting. A spokesperson for the Health and Human Services Department did not immediately respond to questions. Neil Ruhland, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, reiterated that the state had confirmed two measles-related deaths in its outbreak.

U.S. measles cases have reached their highest level in more than three decades. Kennedy, described as a long-time anti-vaccine activist, has promoted the idea that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. Leading medical organizations state that Kennedy's statements and policies have increased vaccine hesitancy, making outbreaks harder to curb.