Opinion: RFK Jr.'s use of National Center for Health Statistics will add confusion to measles deaths count

Public health experts Denys T. Lau and Jennifer D. Schoendorf warn that differing methodologies between federal and state officials in determining measles deaths will increase public confusion. The discrepancy in how deaths are counted and attributed could undermine public trust in health statistics and complicate outbreak response efforts. This concern arises as measles continues to pose significant health risks, particularly for unvaccinated populations and vulnerable groups. Accurate death counts are crucial for public health decision-making and vaccine confidence.