New York records first measles death in over three decades amid rising cases
A child in Lewis County died from measles, marking New York's first measles-related fatality in more than 30 years as the state reports 178 cases this year.
New York health officials confirmed the state's first measles-associated death in more than three decades, involving a child from Lewis County in the state's northern rural region. The agency did not release further details about the patient.
The state health department has documented 178 measles cases so far in 2024, with the majority (170) occurring outside New York City and 15 cases reported in Lewis County. Governor Kathy Hochul, who declared a public health emergency in October, reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the highly contagious disease.
Pennsylvania is experiencing the nation's largest outbreak in 30 years, with 1,433 cases, 269 hospitalizations and six deaths reported by its health department. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 4,852 measles cases as of the previous Friday.
Officials urged residents to verify that they are up to date on measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The standard schedule includes a first dose at about one year of age and a second dose around age five, providing roughly 97% lifelong protection. During outbreaks, infants as young as six months may receive an early dose.