Pennsylvania Reports Measles Deaths, Governor Blames Health Secretary Kennedy
ContestedRigor 588 sources
The Story
Controversy escalated this week following the Pennsylvania Department of Health's disclosure of two measles-associated deaths. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, blamed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a measles outbreak in his state. Shapiro stated that Kennedy's history of vaccine skepticism and tepid endorsements since becoming the country's top health official have reduced vaccination coverage in Pennsylvania. Shapiro said, "The information that we see coming from the federal government in some cases isn't driven by facts or science." He described a heated phone call with Kennedy shortly before a press conference, during which he rejected offered support from the federal government. Kennedy, in subsequent media appearances and on social media, denied having a role in the outbreak or declining vaccination rates. He accused Shapiro of using the announcement as a political platform and of gaslighting the public. Kennedy and his office criticized Shapiro's refusal to share information regarding the deaths, which was initially limited to disclosures that the pair were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County. The state later confirmed one death was an infant but largely withheld more information, citing privacy concerns. In August 2026, Kennedy claimed in an X post that the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella contained fetal tissue, a claim that was incorrect.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- Pennsylvania reported two "measles-associated" deaths, sparking controversy.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro blamed U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the measles outbreak in his state.
- Shapiro cited Kennedy's vaccine skepticism and rhetoric as contributing to reduced vaccination rates.
- Kennedy denied responsibility, accusing Shapiro of politicizing the announcement and withholding information about the deaths.
- Kennedy made an incorrect claim in August 2026 that the MMR vaccine contains "fetal tissue."
Where they split
- Fierce Healthcare focuses on the "doubts" and "conflict with RFK" surrounding Pennsylvania's announcement, detailing the dispute between Shapiro and Kennedy.
- Snopes specifically fact-checks Kennedy's claim about the MMR vaccine containing fetal tissue, rating it as false and providing details on the origin of the rubella virus in the vaccine.
- Fierce Healthcare highlights Shapiro's rejection of federal support during a phone call with Kennedy, a specific detail of the dispute.
- Snopes provides broader context on the U.S. measles outbreak, noting it was the worst since 1991 in 2025 and 2026, with 2,777 cases reported by the CDC from the beginning of 2026 to August 20.