Trumps' new CDC director ordered delay in counting 2 measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania
The CDC, under new director Dr. Erica Schwartz, has excluded two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania from its national tally, citing insufficient evidence. This decision has sparked a conflict between the federal health agency and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights potential political interference in public health data reporting under the current administration.
In a highly unusual move, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not counting two measles-associated deaths reported by the state of Pennsylvania in its measles death tally, saying it doesn't have enough information to determine whether measles caused or contributed to the fatalities.
The decision to exclude the deaths from the weekly update came from the CDC's new director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, according to two people with knowledge of the decision.
The move escalates a feud between US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the state's Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, as the Keystone State seeks to extinguish a growing measles outbreak there.
Pennsylvania health officials have said they thoroughly investigated the details of both deaths before announcing them.
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