The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to count two measles-related deaths, even though they were removed from the agency's public data. According to two reports released today, the removal was requested directly by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine advocate who recently became the U.S. Health Secretary. Kennedy reportedly instructed the new CDC director, Erica Schwartz, to delete the two deaths from the CDC’s website. Reuters reported that Kennedy’s request came shortly after the deaths were initially added to the CDC’s public records. CDC staff had already reviewed the cases and confirmed that the deaths were indeed linked to measles. Despite this, insiders told Reuters that Schwartz proceeded with the deletion without objection. The two deaths were reported by Pennsylvania health officials last week and were added to the CDC’s website on August 30 before being taken down within hours. The two individuals who died were a newborn and a child. Their cases were part of Pennsylvania’s ongoing measles outbreak, which has infected 540 people so far. In the past week alone, 119 new cases have been reported, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children or those with weakened immune systems. The removal of the deaths from public records has raised concerns about transparency and the potential impact on public health messaging. While the CDC still officially counts the deaths internally, their absence from public data may affect how the public perceives the risks associated with measles and the importance of vaccination. Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.