Child’s measles death marks New York state’s first in more than 30 years amid outbreak

A child in New York state’s Lewis County died in the first known measles-associated death in the state in more than 30 years amid an ongoing measles outbreak, officials announced on Monday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “heartbroken” to learn of the child’s death.

“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 in a statement.

“Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease. 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,” she added. “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.”

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The Trump administration has made changes to federal vaccine policy, including revising the childhood immunization schedule and reviewing how vaccines are recommended. The CDC, however, continues to recommend two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children and says two doses provide the best protection against measles.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a response to Hochul’s comments.

The child’s death comes four weeks after Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the measles outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring states, expanding the pool of eligible people who can administer measles vaccines and providing quick access to additional resources if needed.

The governor said last month she planned to seek federal assistance to combat the outbreak.

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The New York State Department of Health said it is working with county health departments and local partners to provide the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to any unvaccinated people who request it and to closely monitor and investigate all reported cases.

As of Oct. 24, New York had recorded 178 measles cases this year — 170 outside New York City and eight in the city.

State health officials urged New Yorkers to protect themselves by making sure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated people, especially young children.

“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,” the New York State Department of Health said in a statement.

The department said measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and death, stressing that vaccination is the “best protection against measles.”

“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’s statement reads. “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.”