Pennsylvania measles deaths ignite clash over RFK Jr.'s vaccination claims

NPR | By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Scott Simon

Published August 29, 2026 at 7:40 AM EDT

Two deaths associated with the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania prompted messaging from the health secretary that both encouraged and undermined vaccinations.

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Selena Simmons-Duffin reports on health policy for NPR.

See stories by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Scott Simon

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Broadway Magicians

Magicians don't just perform on Broadway - they also act as theatrical consultants to create spooky or magical illusions in plays and musicals
NPR News

Opinion: Remembering Dolly Parton

Scott Simon

She said she wasn't offended by dumb blonde jokes because "I know I'm not dumb...and I also know I'm not blonde!" We take a moment to remember the smart, funny and uniquely talented Dolly Parton.
NPR News

The bridges of Rwanda open up new worlds

Fatma Tanis

A charity built 96 bridges to connect communities separated by rivers and gorges. A new study looks at the life-changing impact of a concrete-and-steel pedestrian crossing.
NPR News

Srebrenica survivor Ahmed Hrustanovic reflects on Ratko Mladic's death

Scott Simon

Ahmed Hrustanovic reflects on Ratko Mladic's death with NPR's Scott Simon. All of Hrustanovic's adult male relatives died in the Srebrenica Massacre engineered by Mladic.
Meta's multi-billion settlement launches the next phase of national tech regulation

John Ruwitch, Scott Simon

Meta's settlement with states in a child safety case this week had a big payout, but the attorneys general have their eyes on a bigger prize: national regulation of social media companies.