Amish family in Lancaster County speaks to national reporter about newborn's death
Key Points:
- An Atlantic article interviewed an Amish couple from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, at the center of the state's recent measles controversy after two measles-associated deaths were announced, including their newborn son who died shortly after birth.
- The couple, using pseudonyms, said the baby likely died of measles complications after the mother contracted the virus and was severely ill before delivery; the family is mostly unvaccinated but does not express strong anti-vaccination views.
- Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni confirmed the newborn's death is under investigation, with the official cause listed as a spleen laceration and measles ruled out as a direct cause, though some experts dispute this.
- The coroner emphasized protecting the family's privacy and declined to release the child's name, noting the investigation is ongoing with no clear timeline for completion.
- Information on the second measles-associated death remains unavailable, and local health officials have not provided further details despite media inquiries.