Health

RFK Jr. Directs Removal of Measles Deaths from CDC Public Tally; Internal Records Retain Data

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. requested the removal of two Pennsylvania measles-related deaths from the CDC's public records, though they remain in internal databases.

Bluxle Editorial Updated September 4, 2026 2 min read AI-Researched
Image credit: Reports: RFK Jr. ordered measles deaths deletion; CDC still secretly counts them - Ars Technica
Image credit: Reports: RFK Jr. ordered measles deaths deletion; CDC still secretly counts them - Ars Technica
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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remove two Pennsylvania measles-associated deaths from the agency’s public online tally. This action followed Kennedy’s questioning of whether measles contributed to the fatalities, according to sources cited by Reuters [1].

The deaths, involving a newborn and a child, were initially added to the CDC’s public data but were removed within hours on August 30, 2026 [2]. CDC staff had already accepted the state’s characterization that the deaths were linked to measles before their removal [1]. Despite their exclusion from public records, the deaths remain recorded in the CDC’s internal database, known as the “One CDC Data Platform,” which is accessible to CDC staff and state and local health officials [3].

Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a measles outbreak with approximately 540 reported cases, including 119 in the most recent week [2]. The CDC’s public website now includes a note stating that “available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with measles” [2].

Image credit: The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son / Tom Bartlett
Image credit: The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son / Tom Bartlett | Credit: The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son

Pennsylvania health officials have stated that they provided all required information to the CDC [2]. The decision to remove the deaths from public view has sparked debate among health officials and politicians, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro publicly disputing Kennedy’s actions [4].

What Is Known

Huge facade for CDC headquarters against a beautiful sky. — Image credit: A newborn and child reportedly died of measles; CDC isn't counting them - Ars Technica

Huge facade for CDC headquarters against a beautiful sky. — Image credit: A newborn and child reportedly died of measles; CDC isn't counting them – Ars Technica | Credit: A newborn and child reportedly died of measles; CDC isn't counting them – Ars Technica

The removal of the deaths from the public tally was directed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and implemented by CDC Director Erica Schwartz [1]. The deaths remain in the CDC’s internal records, which continue to treat them as confirmed measles-associated deaths [3].

What Remains Unclear

It remains uncertain whether measles directly caused or contributed to the deaths. The CDC’s public statement reflects this uncertainty, while internal records maintain the deaths as measles-related [2].

AI-Generated Content Disclosure

This article was generated by Bluxle's AI system based on research from multiple news sources. All facts are sourced and cited below. The AI is designed to be neutral and fact-based with no editorial opinion.

Editorially reviewed by R McLennan

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