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

A child in Lewis County has died in New York's first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years, state health officials said Monday, amid an outbreak that has led to 178 cases in the state this year.

A child in Lewis County, in northern New York, has died in the state's first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years, the New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health said on Monday.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak," the agencies said in a joint statement, extending condolences to the family and asking that its privacy be respected.

A measles virus particle under the microscope (file photo)

As of Oct. 24, New York had recorded 178 measles cases this year, including eight in New York City, according to health officials. About a month ago Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency over the outbreak in parts of New York and neighboring states, allowing registered nurses to order specimen collection and testing for suspected cases. It was the first time a state had issued an emergency order since measles cases began rising last year.

"Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease," Hochul said. At least 96% of measles cases in the United States this year have been among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, according to health officials.