RFK Jr. disputes 2 Pennsylvania measles-linked deaths
What's new: A Lancaster County coroner said a newborn died after birth injuries while testing positive for measles acquired before birth.
A dispute broke out in Pennsylvania after state health officials counted two unvaccinated people as measles-associated deaths, the first such deaths reported in the state in 35 years. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said it uses that label when lab or epidemiologic evidence shows measles was present, even if a coroner does not list it as the immediate cause of death. Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni told local media that a newborn who tested positive for measles acquired before birth died shortly after delivery from a lacerated spleen and that his office was still investigating. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. then accused state officials of acting prematurely and cast doubt on the deaths.