Child in Lewis County Dies After Contracting Measles, New York's First Measles Death in More Than 30 Years

A child in Lewis County, New York, has died after contracting measles, state and county health officials announced on Monday, November 2. The death is New York State's first known measles associated death in more than 30 years, Reuters reported.

The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health announced the death in a joint statement on Monday. Health officials did not share whether the child had been vaccinated. In the statement, officials urged residents to check their vaccination status. "We urge New Yorkers to ensure they are up to date on measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations and speak to their healthcare provider about immunizations," the statement said, according to North Country Public Radio.

Governor Hochul responds

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement after the announcement. "As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this child," Hochul said.

"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 added.

County and state case counts

Lewis County has reported 15 measles cases so far this year. That is the fourth highest number among counties around New York State, after Seneca, Otsego and Steuben Counties, North Country Public Radio reported.

Across New York State, officials had reported 178 measles cases this year as of October 24. That total included 170 cases outside New York City and 8 cases in New York City, Reuters reported.

The state health department said it has offered help to Lewis County. "The Department has offered resources to Lewis County to assist with community outreach and support local vaccination efforts, both in response to this case, and as part of our ongoing efforts to support counties that are facing this ongoing measles outbreak," the department said.

Governor Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency last month in response to the measles outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring states, Reuters reported.

The national outbreak

The death comes as the United States faces its worst measles resurgence in decades. CNN reported more than 4,800 measles cases across the United States this year, the most since 1990, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC has recorded three measles related deaths this year, but it did not name the states where they occurred, Reuters reported. Pennsylvania has been the center of the United States outbreak this year, with 1,433 confirmed cases and five measles associated deaths so far this year, according to Reuters.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

For Lewis County, the work now is local. County and state officials are supporting outreach and vaccination efforts while the family at the center of this case grieves a child whose name officials have not released.