From CNBC · · 1m 20s
Pennsylvania demands CDC recognize measles deaths for help
State requests federal support but only if agency acknowledges four fatalities disputed by Trump's health secretary.
In brief
State requests federal support but only if agency acknowledges four fatalities disputed by Trump's health secretary. Pennsylvania will only accept CDC emergency help if the agency publicly recognizes four measles deaths that Health Secretary RFK Jr. has disputed. Originally reported by CNBC.
Pennsylvania seeks CDC emergency help
The state health department requested emergency support from the CDC to handle one of the country's largest and deadliest measles outbreaks.
Help comes with a condition
Pennsylvania will only accept federal assistance if the CDC publicly recognizes four measles-associated deaths reported by the state.
Kennedy disputes the death count
Health Secretary RFK Jr. cast doubt on whether reported deaths were due to measles and instructed the CDC not to include Pennsylvania fatalities in the national tally.
Experts call it unusual interference
Disease experts say Kennedy's move represents highly unusual interference by a health secretary and could minimize measles risks in the public's eyes.
State warns it will rescind request
Health Secretary Debra Bogen wrote that if the CDC can't transparently communicate about the deaths, Pennsylvania will respectfully rescind its request for help.
“The CDC's choice not to publicly recognize the deaths undermines our response”
Outbreak has grown to 700 cases
Pennsylvania now has over 700 confirmed cases across 37 counties and four deaths, part of the worst U.S. measles resurgence in more than three decades.
In short
Pennsylvania will only accept CDC emergency help if the agency publicly recognizes four measles deaths that Health Secretary RFK Jr. has disputed.
