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Lancaster County coroner confirms second measles death in a child
The infant had Amish lethal microcephaly, a condition that leaves babies vulnerable to respiratory infections, and died after about two months, officials said.
On Friday morning, Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni confirmed that a 6-week-old Amish infant died from measles, with the child suffering from Amish lethal microcephaly since birth.
State officials initially labeled two infant deaths as "measles-associated," sparking friction with federal authorities after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned the classification.
Dr. Diamantoni's investigation revealed the case was handled by the Clinic for Special Children in Leacock Township, where providers did not deem the death unexpected given the infant's rare condition.
Questioning the fatalities fueled conspiracy theories that "denied these families' pain, invaded their privacy, and undermined public health," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Friday.
Amid a 35-year high in infections, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 577 total cases this year, including 115 in the past seven days and nearly 100 hospitalizations.