Measles killed 6-week-old baby, coroner confirms after RFK Jr. disputed deaths

A six-week-old infant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has died from measles, according to county coroner Stephen Diamantoni. The infant, who suffered from a rare genetic condition known as Amish lethal microcephaly, passed away at home on August 18. This confirmation follows recent public disputes regarding the severity and impact of measles outbreaks, notably involving statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The coroner noted that the infant's underlying condition, caused by a mutation in the SLC25A19 gene, significantly impacted her health. This specific genetic disorder, which affects approximately 1 in 500 babies within the Old Order Amish population, typically limits life expectancy to about six months. The case highlights the ongoing medical discourse surrounding vaccine-preventable diseases and their potential lethality, particularly in vulnerable populations with pre-existing health complications.