CDC leaves two Pennsylvania measles deaths out of its national count

Kennedy says the reports may have been made up; the agency counted state-reported deaths without delay last year.

Pennsylvania says two unvaccinated residents died after catching measles. The CDC is holding both out of its national tally while it reviews whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths. That is a break from how it counted state-reported measles deaths last year. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the reports "may even have been altogether fabricated." Former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry called the agency's handling "highly unusual." The count matters beyond the two names. The country recorded three measles deaths in all of 2025. International health officials decide in November 2026 whether the United States and Mexico have lost measles-free status.

3 measles deaths recorded in the U.S. in 2025