Health officials have confirmed a third measles-related death in the U.S. but are withholding the state where it occurred, citing privacy laws despite expert criticism that such details are critical during a rapidly worsening outbreak. The CDC’s decision comes as the agency delays reporting other measles deaths, raising concerns about transparency amid a surge in cases—up 8% in a single week to over 4,400 this year, nearly double last year’s total. Public health experts argue that withholding this information undermines efforts to track and contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. The move has sparked debate over whether privacy concerns should take precedence over the need for clear, timely public health data.
Agency declines to reveal in which state latest measles death occurred as it delays reporting other measles deaths The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added a third measles death to its dashboard on Wednesday, but the agency would not reveal whether the death occurred in Pennsylvania or another state – which is “notable” as the agency delays reporting other measles deaths, experts say.The CDC cited privacy laws in not sharing the name of the state, but experts say there are no privacy concerns in doing so – and this information is important for the public to have as the outbreak continues accelerating, growing by 8% in one week to 4,410 confirmed cases so far this year, nearly double last year’s count. Continue reading...
