Additional Coverage:
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro openly confronted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the dangers of spreading misinformation following two measles-related deaths in the state-the first in 35 years.
At a Tuesday evening press conference, Shapiro apologized for his delayed arrival, explaining he had just finished a phone call with Kennedy, who had offered assistance in managing the ongoing measles outbreak. “Part of the reason I was late is I was in the parking lot talking with Secretary Kennedy,” Shapiro said.
“While I appreciate his offer of help, we believe the Department of Health is fully capable of handling this situation. I was very blunt with him.”
The governor emphasized the serious consequences of misinformation, saying, “His actions and the rhetoric from this administration are negatively impacting communities across America, especially here in Pennsylvania. There are real-life consequences to spreading misinformation and scaring people instead of providing unbiased, medically sound information to parents so they can make informed decisions for their children.”
Shapiro stressed that public health depends on “unbiased, factual information,” adding that conspiracy theories only undermine safety and health efforts. “Misinformation makes it harder for us to protect our communities,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid resurfaced footage from 2021 showing Kennedy speaking in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he downplayed the severity of measles. In the video, Kennedy described himself as a measles survivor who considered the illness a “nightmare” but suggested the “cure” was simply chicken soup and vitamin A-neither of which can be patented.
Now, five years after those comments, two unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County have died from measles. Officials have not disclosed their identities but confirmed they were from the county and unvaccinated.
State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed condolences to the families and highlighted that many people, unfamiliar with measles due to its long absence in the state, may underestimate its danger.
This outbreak comes as the U.S. faces its worst measles season since 1991. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,777 cases reported as of this week, surpassing last year’s record of 2,289 cases. Three deaths were reported nationally last year.
In November, international health authorities will review whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status, a designation first achieved in 2000 through high vaccination rates. However, vaccination coverage has since fallen below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Recent federal data shows a slight decline in kindergarten vaccination rates and a rise in exemption claims.
Lancaster County, home to Pennsylvania’s Amish community-some members of which are hesitant toward vaccinations-reported about 88% of kindergartners up to date on their measles vaccines last school year. Pennsylvania overall has recorded nearly 400 measles cases this year.
Despite his history of vaccine skepticism and past misinformation, Kennedy recently stated that parents should vaccinate their children against measles. Speaking to CNN, he acknowledged the effectiveness of the measles vaccine in about 97% of cases and recommended the combined MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
As Pennsylvania grapples with this outbreak, officials continue to urge reliance on trusted medical guidance to protect public health and prevent further tragedies.