A child dies of measles in upstate New York, the state's first measles death in more than 30 years
New York State health officials announced on Monday evening that a child in Lewis County has died in connection with the state's ongoing measles outbreak. It is the first known measles-associated death in New York in more than 30 years. Officials gave no details about the child and urged residents to make sure they are up to date with the MMR vaccine.
The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health said in a joint statement on Monday 2 November that a child in Lewis County, in the state's North Country, has died in connection with the ongoing measles outbreak. They described it as the first known measles-associated death in New York State in more than 30 years. Officials did not release the child's age or say whether the child had been vaccinated, and asked that the family's privacy be respected.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and death. Vaccination is the best protection against measles," the statement said. The department said it has offered resources to Lewis County for community outreach and vaccination efforts and is providing the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to any unvaccinated person who asks for it. Current guidance recommends that infants from six months old receive an early dose before travel or if they are at risk of exposure.
As of 24 October, New York had recorded 178 measles cases this year, 170 of them outside New York City and eight in the city. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency over the outbreak four weeks ago. Public radio station WRVO reported that Lewis County's own dashboard lists 15 cases, all in unvaccinated people. Hochul said she was "heartbroken" by the news and called the death "a devastating reminder of what's at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress" in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses. MMR vaccine is about 93% effective after one dose and 97% after two.