Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tells anti-vaccine activists from an organization he once chaired that they have a friend in the White House. Kennedy addressed Children's Health Defense on Thursday, appearing at its conference for the first time since becoming secretary. Kennedy praised the Trump administration's efforts to scale back vaccine guidance. Critics, including top medical associations, warn these moves could increase vaccine hesitancy. Kennedy's speech comes as the U.S. faces its worst measles year since 1991. The White House did not comment on his appearance.

Pennsylvania officials are reporting a fourth measles-associated death. An 18-year-old from Mifflin County died from a severe neurological complication of the virus. None of the four who died were vaccinated. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles year since 1991, with seven deaths in two years. Pennsylvania's outbreak includes nearly 700 illnesses across 38 counties. These are the first measles-associated deaths in the state in 35 years. Health officials emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine to prevent outbreaks. International health officials will meet in November to assess the U.S. and Mexico's measles-free status.

A Pennsylvania woman has died from complications associated with measles, the third death in the state this year involving the virus.

NEW YORK (AP) — The two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania last month involved infants, and the virus itself caused one of the deaths, a P…