Pennsylvania coroner shares details on 2 infant measles-related deaths - USA Today
A Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed that two infant deaths in the state were linked to measles, though the virus's role varied in each case. The findings have sparked political debate, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioning the official classification of these deaths.
Why it matters
The intersection of public health data and political scrutiny highlights the ongoing tension regarding vaccine-preventable diseases and government reporting.
Hear this story A Pennsylvania coroner confirmed Wednesday that the state's two measles-related deaths last month both involved infants, and that the virus caused one of the deaths.
Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, Lancaster County’s coroner, said Ivan Miller died Aug. 14 shortly after his birth of a ruptured spleen, and 6-week-old Mary Stoltzfus died Aug. 18 at her home from a measles infection, according to the Associated Press and The Washington Post .
A genetic birth defect called Amish lethal microcephaly, which causes a small head and underdeveloped brain, left Stoltzfus highly vulnerable to an infection, he explained to the outlets.
Diamantoni said he released the information in response to a state right-to-know law request by WPMT-TV, Fox 43.
USA TODAY reached out to the coroner's office for comment.
Diamantoni’s office didn’t perform an autopsy on Stoltzfus, so the cause of death was determined by her doctors, he told the AP.
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