Pennsylvania Reports Measles Deaths
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvanians died as measles cases rise and officials trade blame.
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Updated Aug 26, 6:31pm ETBoth sides, every morning
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The reporting
Pennsylvania health officials said Tuesday that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died from measles, the first measles-related deaths reported in the U.S. this year and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years. The state later said one of the victims was an infant and released no other identifying information, citing family privacy. Pennsylvania has recorded 393 measles cases across 38 counties in 2026 as of August 20. The deaths prompted a public dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine messaging and federal response.
Analysis & opinion
RFK misinformationMostly Left
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is mishandling the measles crisis by spreading vaccine misinformation, downplaying the danger, and shifting blame away from himself. His anti-vaccine approach is weakening public-health protections and making outbreaks more dangerous.
Unfair politicizationMostly Right
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and vaccine skeptics are being unfairly attacked over the measles outbreak. Critics such as Josh Shapiro, corporate media figures, and Trump opponents are politicizing the deaths, withholding context, or smearing vaccine objectors instead of addressing the issue honestly.
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