Measles deaths may have been 'fabricated,' RFK Jr claims after coroner raises questions

Days after Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles deaths, a public dispute has emerged about whether other factors played a role in the fatalities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the two "measles-associated" deaths on Tuesday, noting that both individuals were unvaccinated.

These were the state’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years, according to the release.

On Wednesday, the DOH revealed that one of the deaths was a newborn baby from Lancaster County.

That confirmation came after the county coroner — physician Stephen Diamantoni — said the newborn died shortly after birth from a lacerated spleen and had tested positive for measles acquired before birth, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer .

FORMER CDC ADVISOR SAYS DECLINE IN KINDERGARTEN VACCINATIONS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT: 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON' Diamantoni’s office was still investigating the newborn’s death, and the coroner said he was not aware of the other reported death, Axios reported.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health stated that not all deaths are referred to a coroner under state law.

The DOH says it uses the term "measles-associated" when laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles is present, even if a coroner or medical certifier does not identify measles as the immediate cause of death.

Measles can affect the spleen, potentially causing enlargement and, in rare cases, rupture, according to Dr.

Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.

Pregnant women, newborns and young infants can face a higher risk of serious measles complications, the doctor noted.

Infants who are too young to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can be especially vulnerable.

COMMON VACCINE LINKED TO 24% LOWER DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. has questioned whether Pennsylvania officials provided sufficient information to substantiate the two measles-associated deaths .