Pennsylvania Confirms Fourth Measles Death
Health officials say an 18-year-old died as Pennsylvania's measles surge worsens.
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Updated Sep 15, 9:13pm ETEvery side, every morning
A free recap of the day’s biggest stories and how each side covered them.
What happened
Pennsylvania health officials reported a fourth measles-associated death in the current outbreak: an unvaccinated 18-year-old from Mifflin County whose coroner cited acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare severe brain and spinal cord complication. The state has recorded nearly 700 cases, with Lancaster County a major center. Officials said none of the four people who died were vaccinated. Gov. Josh Shapiro accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of undermining public health and CDC reporting; Kennedy denied a coverup and said Shapiro refused CDC help.
How each side covered it
From the left
Left-leaning accounts led with Pennsylvania as the center of a worsening national measles comeback. MS NOW lingered on vaccination, citing the state health department saying none of the four victims were vaccinated. Mediaite blamed federal politics more directly, saying Kennedy kept casting doubt on vaccines long shown to be safe and effective.
From the right
Right-leaning accounts led with the deaths as grave evidence that vaccination remains central to prevention. World News Group stressed the historic setback, noting the United States had not tallied four measles deaths in a year since 1992. Washington Examiner turned to the political fight, highlighting Shapiro’s finger-pointing at Kennedy. Just the News questioned the term “measles-associated,” airing concern that officials could blur cause with infection status.
Headlines
Left6
Washington Post · Sep 15Pennsylvania teen died of ‘rare and severe’ complication of measles, coroner says
MS NOW · Sep 15Pennsylvania reports 4th measles-related death
PBS NewsHour · Sep 1518-year-old dies in Pennsylvania's 4th measles-associated death
MEDIAite · Sep 15Gov. Shapiro Blasts RFK Jr. for ‘Playing Games With Public Health’ After New Measles Deaths Confirmed
Techdirt · Sep 14Adult Woman Dies From Measles Complications In Pennsylvania
Center5
NBC News · Sep 15Pennsylvania teen dies from measles complications, health officials report
Politico · Sep 152 more Pennsylvanians die with measles, reigniting fight between RFK Jr. and Josh Shapiro
ARS Technica · Sep 1518-year-old dies of measles in PA from severe neurological complication
STAT News · Sep 15A fourth measles death is reported in Pennsylvania
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