New CDC Director Orders 2 Deaths Kept Off Measles List

The CDC is publicly contradicting a state over measles deaths, something it almost never does. Dr. Erica Schwartz, the agency's new director, ordered the agency not to count two "measles-associated" deaths reported by Pennsylvania in its weekly update, and had staff add a disclaimer saying available information doesn't show whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths. The move breaks with the CDC's longstanding practice of relying on the determinations of state and local health departments, the New York Times reports. Pennsylvania is battling a growing outbreak that has infected nearly 500 people and hospitalized 87.

The dispute involves politics. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had already accused Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of "manipulating" the truth and even suggested the deaths might have been fabricated, claims not supported by requirements for reporting to county coroners. Pennsylvania says both unvaccinated patients tested positive for measles and were properly classified as "measles-associated," including a newborn who died of a ruptured spleen while infected. Public health experts warn the CDC's stance could further damage already fragile trust between states and Washington, and say delays and mixed messages on outbreak data risk deepening confusion over vaccines.

The CDC updated its measles dashboard several times over the weekend. The deaths were included in the count before an asterisk and wording stating they were not going to be included was added to the website. Former and current agency staff members say confusion among staff led to the multiple changes, per the Washington Post. It wasn't clear that Schwartz's nomination would reach the Senate floor this summer, but Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy gave her his support after she assured him she would follow the science whatever the stances of Kennedy, who oversees the CDC.