Governor Shapiro announced “measles” fatalities before the forensic record was complete. The county coroner and pathologist found the infant died of other causes.
In the aftermath of the Pennsylvania Governor’s debunked claim about measles deaths, the Independent Medical Alliance (IMA), the nation’s largest coalition of independent physicians, today called on politicians and elected officials to immediately cease turning incomplete health data into campaign ammunition, particularly as the midterm elections approach.
“What happened in Pennsylvania is shameful,” said Dr. Joseph Varon, President and Chief Medical Officer, Independent Medical Alliance. “A governor used an infant’s tragic death to score political points, even though the autopsy did not support the Governor’s assertions.”
Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania’s first “measles” deaths in 35 years and used the moment to attack federal vaccination policy. But Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni and pathologist Dr. Wayne Ross found that a newborn who later tested positive for measles died of a traumatic laceration of the spleen and massive blood loss. Measles was not listed as the cause of death or a contributing factor. A second death remains undisclosed, but the coroner’s office has said it has no record of measles as the cause of death in either case.
“If an official wants to tell the country a baby died of measles, he should wait for the autopsy and release the death certificate,” continued Varon. “Anything less is fear dressed up as public health.”
IMA researchers, including Dr. Varon, hosted a webinar earlier this year entitled “Beyond the Headlines: Evidence-Based Treatment for Measles,” documenting evidence-based measles care, including high-dose vitamin A shown in trials to reduce mortality and complications.
“Vaccination policy is a legitimate scientific debate. Cause of death is a medical determination,” concluded Dr. Varon. “Stop the fear mongering. People’s health, and possibly their lives, are at stake. Independent doctors will not play along.”
