Health
Pennsylvania coroner attributes infant death to measles amid outbreak
A coroner confirmed two measles-related infant deaths as statewide infections climbed past 620, according to STAT.
The short version
- Lancaster County coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni confirmed that measles caused the death of a 6-week-old girl with a genetic condition and contributed to an infant boy's death from a ruptured spleen.[STAT]
- The findings follow remarks by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suggested the fatalities may have been fabricated after Governor Josh Shapiro urged vaccination.[STAT]
- Pennsylvania has recorded more than 620 measles cases across 37 counties this year.[STAT]
- Federal health officials at the CDC have not yet updated their records to count either fatality as measles-associated.[STAT]
Key facts
- Lancaster County coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni confirmed a measles infection killed 6-week-old Mary Stoltzfus, who had a genetic condition known as Amish lethal microcephaly.[STAT]
- Ivan Miller died on August 14 from a ruptured spleen, with measles recorded as a contributing factor on his death certificate.[STAT]
- Pennsylvania has confirmed more than 620 measles cases across 37 counties this year.[STAT]
- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested the infant deaths may have been fabricated after Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated vaccines could have averted them.[STAT]
What remains uncertain
- The CDC has not officially decided whether to classify either infant death as measles-associated, and its website maintains a disclaimer pending review.[STAT]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.