Topic · 4 reports

Measles outbreak

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RFK Jr. measles comments and quack ringtone draw Pod Save America criticism amid record US cases

Aug 29, 2026

Pod Save America segment discusses RFK Jr.'s statements on a measles outbreak, attributing it partly to lockdowns and loss of trust in agencies during COVID. It references a conversation with Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro on a state vaccination rate drop from 97% to 92.3% during the Biden years. The hosts highlight RFK Jr. being interrupted by a quacking duck ringtone during an autism-related speech and criticize him for spreading antivax views linked to the largest US measles spread in 35 years.

▶ Source: Pod Save America

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RFK Jr. questions Pennsylvania measles deaths amid record U.S. outbreak

Aug 28, 2026

The MS NOW segment reported on the resurgence of measles in the U.S., citing AP and NYT on declining vaccination rates fueling the largest surge since 1991, with 2026 cases already exceeding 2025's record. It focused on an outbreak in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, where two unvaccinated people died (first state deaths in 35 years), over 390 infected, 70 hospitalized, and a third of cases in children; experts noted potential undercounting in Amish/Mennonite communities. The broadcast replayed RFK Jr.'s 2021 comments downplaying measles and his recent skepticism about the reported deaths, contrasted with sharp criticism from Gov. Josh Shapiro blaming Kennedy's actions and rhetoric. Pulmonologist Dr. Vin Gupta, an MSNOW senior medical analyst, joined as the sole guest, attributing the outbreak to RFK Jr.'s two decades of vaccine skepticism, a recent Oval Office event questioning the MMR vaccine, and erosion of trust. Gupta emphasized measles complications (pneumonia, encephalitis) in unvaccinated children occurring in roughly one in four cases and praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom's state-led albuterol production initiative as filling a federal leadership void. Sourcing relied on AP, NYT, state health officials, and CDC-tracked national figures.

▶ Source: MS NOW

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Shapiro, RFK Jr. clash over Pennsylvania measles deaths as cases hit 460

Aug 28, 2026

The NBC10 Philadelphia segment reports Pennsylvania's growing measles outbreak, citing Department of Health data showing 460 confirmed cases across 31 counties, including 36 new cases since Wednesday and 83 hospitalizations. It covers the announcement of two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, one involving a newborn, and notes the discrepancy raised by the Lancaster County coroner who determined the infant died of a ruptured spleen, not measles as the immediate cause. The report details the public clash between Gov. Josh Shapiro, who accused HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of promoting conspiracy theories and misinformation, and Kennedy, who questioned whether the deaths occurred and claimed lack of state cooperation with federal officials. Sourcing relies primarily on PA Department of Health updates, the coroner's statements, and direct quotes from Shapiro. The segment notes the state is in regular communication with the CDC and has received needed support, while highlighting health officials' push for vaccination. No independent experts beyond officials are featured; the throughline stresses the seriousness of the outbreak for unvaccinated individuals amid politicization.

▶ Source: NBC10 Philadelphia

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MSNBC interviews ex-CDC acting director on RFK Jr. vaccine views amid measles surge

Aug 3, 2026

The MSNBC segment reviewed a contentious CNN interview between Dana Bash and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on topics including U.S. COVID death rates, lockdowns, Anthony Fauci's role, autism, Tylenol in pregnancy, and measles. It then interviewed Dr. Richard Besser, former Acting CDC Director and current Robert Wood Johnson Foundation president, who fact-checked Kennedy's claims, defended COVID mRNA vaccines developed under Operation Warp Speed, and warned that vaccine hesitancy driven by eroded trust is fueling a major measles resurgence. Besser noted the paradox of Kennedy's skepticism toward vaccines accelerated by the prior Trump administration and expressed concern over Kennedy's recent decision to wind down certain NIH/BARDA mRNA funding. The discussion relied on CDC statistics for measles cases, referenced Fauci's recently released pandemic diaries, and highlighted hospital overload in New York in 2020 with refrigerated morgue trailers. Besser, a pediatrician with decades of experience, repeatedly affirmed vaccine safety and urged viewers to consult trusted doctors rather than the HHS Secretary.

▶ Source: MS NOW