FactCheck.org is reporting on the confusion surrounding two "measles-associated" deaths in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which the state Department of Health announced last week. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro stated the illness and deaths are preventable. It said the local coroner initially contradicted state officials, unaware of any measles deaths, though a newborn with measles died from a spleen laceration. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed the deaths might have been "fabricated," a claim FactCheck.org said was false.
FactCheck.org explained that the extent to which measles played a role in these deaths remains unclear. Pediatricians and infectious disease experts noted that measles infection can enlarge the spleen, potentially increasing the risk of rupture. The newborn's unvaccinated mother was severely ill with the virus and delivered early. The coroner is investigating a second child's death with measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially included the deaths in its tally with a caveat, then removed them, and now uses an asterisk, awaiting further review, though its internal systems include them. Pennsylvania has recorded 540 measles cases this year, including 91 hospitalizations, with nearly half in Lancaster County.
FactCheck.org also found no link between recent large measles outbreaks and "rampant illegal immigration," a claim made by Rep. Byron Donalds. It said infectious disease experts attribute the rise in cases to falling measles vaccination rates in the U.S.
Separately, FactCheck.org reported that President Donald Trump and his administration are claiming credit for a recent drop in prescription drug prices, citing deals with drugmakers and the launch of TrumpRx. It said experts are skeptical these measures significantly impacted overall prices, suggesting other factors likely explain the 3.1% decline over the past year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Finally, FactCheck.org debunked a false social media claim that the Trump administration illegally cut down 60 historic cherry trees in Washington, D.C., for a golf course. It said a Washington Post article reported over 60 trees were removed from East Potomac Park, but only one cherry tree and two sycamores were specifically mentioned. Social media posts distorted this information, falsely claiming all 60 were cherry trees.