The new C. D. C. director challenged two measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania, deviating from standard agency procedure.

The dispute centers on whether the deaths resulted from measles or coincided with infection, echoing pandemic-era disagreements. Pennsylvania reported 497 measles cases and 87 hospitalizations. Governor Josh Shapiro blamed federal hesitancy for vaccine concerns.

Health and Human Services supported the C. D. C.'s stance, stating deaths lacked confirmation.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed the deaths were "fabricated," citing a coroner's lack of record, though state policy does not require coroner notification. The C.

D. C. excluded the deaths from its weekly update. Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new C. D.

C. director, faces pressure to balance agency independence with partnership. Public health experts warn the conflict erodes critical state-federal trust during an active outbreak.