New York records first measles-linked child death in over three decades
A child in Lewis County died from measles, marking New York's first measles-associated fatality in more than 30 years, as health officials continue vaccination efforts.
The New York State Department of Health confirmed on Nov. 2 that a child in Lewis County died in connection with the state's current measles outbreak, the first measles-related death recorded in the state since the early 1990s.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in October to address the spread of measles across parts of New York and neighboring states. The department said it has provided resources to Lewis County for community outreach and to support local vaccination campaigns.
"The Department has offered resources to Lewis County to assist with community outreach and support local vaccination efforts – both in response to this case, and as part of our ongoing efforts to support counties that are facing this ongoing measles outbreak," the state department said.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.