Key Takeaways
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has excluded two measles deaths from its latest update.
- The decision challenges the accuracy of Pennsylvania health officials' death determinations.
- CDC's new director, Erica Schwartz, ordered the change.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a significant change to its national measles data, excluding two deaths reported by Pennsylvania health officials. This move has raised questions about the accuracy of the state's death determinations.
According to The New York Times, the CDC's new director, Erica Schwartz, is behind the decision. Less than a month into her role, Schwartz reportedly ordered CDC staff to add an unusual statement to the CDC's website for measles surveillance data.
The statement notes that the update will not include the deaths reported by Pennsylvania and adds: 'At this time, available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with measles.'
The Washington Post reported that the CDC had made multiple changes to the information on its website over the weekend. On August 29 at 2:33 pm ET, the website listed the total measles deaths for 2026 as '0' in a chart. By 12:09 pm ET on August 30, the chart was updated to list the total deaths for 2026 as '2'.
However, by 3:23 pm ET on August 30, the chart was changed again to delete the two deaths, replacing them with an asterisk as a reference to the unusual statement about the deaths not being included. The asterisk and statement remain as of Tuesday.
This move has sparked debate about the role of the CDC in determining measles-related deaths. Traditionally, states are the arbiters of case and death determinations, not the CDC. The change in the data has raised concerns about the transparency and accuracy of the CDC's reporting.
The CDC's decision to exclude the deaths has been met with scrutiny, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case. RFK Jr., a vocal critic of vaccine policies, has questioned the accuracy of the state's determinations, adding to the controversy.
The CDC's actions have highlighted the complex and sometimes contentious nature of public health data. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the information provided to the public.
