New York reports first measles-related child death in over three decades
A child in Lewis County died from a measles infection, marking New York's first measles-associated fatality in more than 30 years amid a statewide outbreak.
New York state health officials confirmed that a child in Lewis County died from measles on Monday, the first measles-related death in the state in over three decades. The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health issued a joint statement expressing condolences to the family and requesting privacy.
The death follows Governor Kathy Hochul's declaration of a state disaster emergency last month in response to a growing measles outbreak across New York and neighboring regions. As of Oct. 24, the state has recorded 178 measles cases this year, including eight in New York City.
The emergency order permits registered nurses to order specimen collection and testing for suspected cases, a measure not previously used by any state since the rise in measles cases began last year. Nationwide, more than 4,800 measles cases have been confirmed in 2024, the highest annual total since 1991.
Health officials note that the majority of U.S. cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The CDC continues to recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine, administered at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years, with an additional early dose for infants 6-11 months in high-risk areas.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak," the joint statement said.
No further details about the child's condition have been released.