Key Takeaways
- Reports claim RFK Jr. ordered the deletion of two measles deaths from CDC data.
- CDC continues to secretly count the deaths despite their removal from public records.
- The deaths were of a newborn and a child from Pennsylvania during a recent outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still counting two measles deaths that were deleted from its public data, according to reports. These deaths, of a newborn and a child, were reportedly deleted at the direct request of anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to Reuters.
According to previous reporting, the two deaths were added and then removed from the CDC's website within hours on August 30. Health officials in Pennsylvania reported the deaths last week as part of the state's ongoing measles outbreak, which has sickened 540 people, including 119 in the last week.
Early today, Reuters reported that Kennedy instructed new CDC director Erica Schwartz to delete the two deaths from the agency's website. CDC staff had reportedly already reviewed information about the deaths and accepted the characterization that they were measles-related. Despite this, Schwartz deleted the deaths without objection, insiders told Reuters.
The deletion of these deaths from the public records has raised concerns about the transparency and accuracy of the CDC's data. Critics argue that such actions could undermine public trust in the agency's ability to provide accurate and timely information about public health issues.
The ongoing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania highlights the importance of accurate and transparent data in public health. The CDC's continued counting of these deaths, despite their removal from public records, suggests that the agency is maintaining its internal records for some reason, possibly related to research or other internal purposes.
The situation has sparked debate among public health experts and advocates, who argue that such actions could have significant implications for public health communication and trust. Some experts suggest that the CDC should be more transparent about its internal data practices to maintain public confidence.
In a statement, the CDC did not directly address the reports but emphasized the importance of accurate data. 'The CDC is committed to providing accurate and transparent information to the public,' a spokesperson said. 'We are reviewing the reports and will provide a statement when appropriate.'
