The CDC is refusing to count the deaths of two children in Pennsylvania from measles, directly contradicting the state's health officials.

Sept 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday there were 3,134 confirmed measles cases in the country so far this year, marking the highest annual total in more than 35 years.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged Friday that measles caused the death of an infant in Pennsylvania, after previously questioning the state’s reporting of two measles-related deaths amid a growing outbreak.

Schwartz—less than a month into the job—reportedly ordered CDC staff to add an unusual statement onto the CDC’s website for measles surveillance data. The statement notes that the update will not include the deaths reported by Pennsylvania and continues: “At this time,

The nation's top health official directed the removal of two deaths in Pennsylvania from the list and questioned whether measles was linked to them, according to Reuters.

In a highly unusual move, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not counting two measles-associated deaths reported by the state of Pennsylvania in its measles death tally, saying it doesn’t have enough information to determine whether measles caused or contributed to the fatalities.

The deaths have been at the heart of a bitter political dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D).

Government watchdog probes Health Sec RFK for alleged interference with CDC measles deaths, anti-vaccine agenda, and questioned testimony.