A Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed that measles directly caused the death of a six-week-old infant last month, amid a widening measles outbreak across the state and a political clash over vaccination policies. The coroner's office also provided details on a second infant death that occurred around the same time.
Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni stated that Mary Stoltzfus died on August 18 at her home. She had been born with a genetic birth defect known as Amish lethal microcephaly, which causes an unusually small head and underdeveloped brain, making her highly vulnerable to infection. Diamantoni confirmed that a measles infection was the cause of her death. The cause of death was determined by her treating physicians, as an autopsy was not performed by the coroner's office.
The second infant, Ivan Miller, died on August 14 shortly after birth. His death was attributed to a ruptured spleen, with the exact circumstances still under investigation. While Miller was infected with measles, which was listed as a contributing factor on his death certificate, Diamantoni clarified that the virus did not directly cause the spleen rupture. Measles was noted because it was a significant condition the infant had at the time of his death.
Neither infant was old enough to have received the measles vaccination, as the first dose is typically administered around one year of age. These details emerged during a period of heightened national scrutiny and political debate surrounding the measles outbreak and vaccination efforts.
Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro had announced the deaths, emphasizing that vaccinations could have prevented them. This statement drew criticism from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Trump administration appointee known for questioning established vaccines. Kennedy suggested the deaths might have been fabricated, echoing similar concerns he raised last year regarding other measles-related fatalities.
Concerns have been raised by public health experts regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) handling of information related to these deaths. The CDC's website initially noted two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania but later modified its statement to indicate it was awaiting further review. As of its last update, the page stated that the CDC would update its reporting as additional information becomes available, and it does not currently reflect either Pennsylvania death. Health Secretary Kennedy has since acknowledged Diamantoni's conclusion that one of the infant deaths was due to measles.
The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania continues to grow, with state officials reporting over 620 cases across 37 counties this year. The U.S. had achieved elimination of domestic measles spread in 2000 through high vaccination rates, but these rates have declined in recent years, falling below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks. Measles infections have seen a global resurgence in recent years.
In November, international health officials are scheduled to convene to determine if the United States and Mexico have retained their measles-free status. The Associated Press' health and science coverage is supported by The AP Fund for Journalism and private foundations, with the AP being solely responsible for all content.