Unvaccinated Child Dies as Measles Outbreak Claims New York's First Fatality in Over 30 Years

A child in Lewis County, New York, died after contracting measles, the New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health said on Monday. The death is the first measles-related fatality in the state since the early 1990s.

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sympathy for the family and reiterated that vaccination is the most effective protection against the disease. She noted that the state had declared a disaster emergency four weeks earlier to accelerate response measures.

The child’s identity, age and sex were not released. Lewis County has reported 15 measles cases this year, all among unvaccinated individuals, while neighboring Seneca County leads the state with 30 cases.

Under the emergency order, nurses can order measles testing, and state officials will provide epidemiological support, contact tracing and expedited laboratory testing. Health officials urged residents to ensure they are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and to follow advisories when traveling with unvaccinated persons.

"Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease," the New York State Department of Health said in a statement.

The department also noted that resources have been offered to Lewis County to assist with community outreach and local vaccination efforts.

Measles spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves a space. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years, with an additional dose for infants as young as six months in high-risk settings.