New York reports first measles-associated death in more than 30 years

A child in upstate New York died after contracting measles, according to health officials, the first measles-related death in the state in more than 30 years.

The child lived in Lewis County, a rural area in the state’s North Country located east of Watertown, officials said late Monday. State and county health officials did not release any additional information.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the child’s family and loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” officials said in a statement.

The announcement comes four weeks after Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) declared a state disaster emergency in response to growing measles cases , expanding the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines and providing quicker access to additional resources if needed.

As of Oct. 24, 178 cases had been reported across New York , according to the New York state and Lewis County health departments. Lewis County reported 15 cases as of Oct. 14, all affecting people who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The state health department said it is working with county health departments and local partners to provide the MMR vaccine to any unvaccinated individuals who request it.

Hochul in a statement linked the death to what she said was the Trump administration’s undermining of confidence in public health and routine pediatric vaccines.

“This is New York’s first measles-related death in 30 years, a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses,” Hochul said.

“In New York, we will continue to stand by proven public health measures and do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has drawn broad criticism for his response to measles outbreaks, including downplaying the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, though he has also said people should get vaccinated if they want.

President Trump called the combined shot “lethal” without evidence, and proposed splitting it into separate components.

The reported death comes as the U.S. faces its worst measles outbreak in 35 years. With months left in the year, the country has already more than doubled the number of cases reported last year.

Falling vaccination rates have left children and adults more vulnerable. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.

The Pan American Health Organization, part of the World Health Organization, is set to hold a meeting next week on measles elimination. The U.S. is widely expected to lose the elimination status it has held since 2000.

In a statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at New York’s request, agency experts and epidemiologists have been on the ground working alongside state officials.

“Our hearts go out to the family mourning this tragic loss,” the agency said. “Secretary Kennedy and CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz continue to make clear that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.”

The CDC’s emergency Epi-Aid for New York, which is used for short-term epidemiological assistance, is currently scheduled to continue through Nov. 13.