The United States has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases this year — the most this century. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced two measles-associated deaths, the first of the year, but conflicting information quickly emerged from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Lancaster County coroner, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of health and human services.

The discord centered on whether measles directly caused the deaths. The coroner’s office reported only one case involving a newborn who tested positive for measles, with the immediate cause of death listed as a laceration to the spleen. Measles was noted as a contributing factor, but the coroner later stated he did not believe measles played a role. State officials described both individuals as unvaccinated, though one was a newborn ineligible for vaccination.

Gov. Shapiro emphasized the deaths were preventable and criticized anti-vaccine messaging. However, his comments drew backlash for lacking context. The lack of coordination between state and local authorities fueled doubt and confusion, undermining public trust during a critical health crisis.