Lewis County child dies from measles, New York's first death in 30 years
The state has recorded 178 cases this year, with most occurring outside New York City as the outbreak spreads in the North.
By Olga Kaur ·
A child in Lewis County died from complications related to measles, marking the first such death in New York in more than three decades. State health officials confirmed the loss on Monday, noting the child lived in a rural area of northern New York.
The department released a brief statement expressing sorrow and asking that the family’s privacy be respected. Officials did not share further details about the child’s age or specific health conditions.
New York has logged 178 measles cases since the start of the year. Of those, 170 occurred outside New York City. Lewis County alone accounts for 15 of the state’s total cases. Governor Kathy Hochul declared the outbreak an emergency in October.
Following the announcement of the death, Hochul emphasized that vaccination remains the primary defense against the virus. She described measles as highly contagious and urged residents to ensure their MMR shots are up to date.
The situation in New York mirrors a larger regional trend. Neighboring Pennsylvania is battling the nation’s worst outbreak in 30 years. As of Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 1,433 cases and six deaths, with 269 patients requiring hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted 4,852 measles cases nationwide as of October 30. Health experts note that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection, typically for life. Standard schedules involve one dose at around age 1 and a second at age 5, though infants as young as 6 months may receive a dose during active outbreaks.
Source: NBC News
