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.
