Pennsylvania coroner details infant deaths amid expanding measles outbreak
A Lancaster County coroner confirmed that one infant died directly from measles while the other’s death was unrelated, sparking debate over how the fatalities are reported.
Lancaster County coroner Stephen Diamantoni reported that infant Mary Stoltzfus, born with Amish lethal microcephaly, succumbed to measles, while newborn Ivan Miller died from a ruptured spleen, with measles noted merely as a significant condition on his death certificate. The CDC has not formally classified either death as measles-related, and its website still carries a disclaimer. Diamantoni released the findings after a state right-to-know request from WPMT-TV.
The fatalities have fueled a political clash, with Governor Josh Shapiro emphasizing vaccination, and a health official appointed by President Donald Trump questioning the validity of the deaths. Public-health experts have expressed concern about the CDC’s credibility amid the controversy. Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues, with over 620 cases reported across 37 counties this year.
