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Gov. Josh Shapiro calls on CDC to recognize measles-associated deaths in Pa. outbreak
radio.wpsu.org • • general
Key Points:
- Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has resulted in four deaths, but the CDC's public dashboard has not yet recorded any measles-related deaths for this year, prompting calls for an update.
- Governor Josh Shapiro accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of directing the CDC to withhold reporting the deaths, a claim Kennedy denies, stating the CDC uses its own criteria for measles-related fatalities.
- The outbreak is exacerbated by vaccine misinformation and declining vaccination rates, undermining herd immunity and leading to increased vulnerability among the population.
- Medical professionals, including Dr. Stanley Martin, highlight the resurgence of measles, a disease declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, noting the current outbreak as unprecedented in their careers.
- Pennsylvania has reported 731 measles cases this year and has administered nearly 7,000 MMR vaccines, with efforts ongoing to increase vaccination amid the growing outbreak.
