New York health officials reported Monday that a child in Lewis County died in association with the ongoing measles outbreak. It is the state's first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years. The outbreak has infected more than 170 people.
The New York State Department of Health said on Monday, Nov. 2, that a child in Lewis County had died in connection with an ongoing measles outbreak. Lewis County is a rural county in northern New York. It is the state's first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years. No additional information on the case was released.
The state health department and Lewis County Public Health said in a joint statement that they were deeply saddened by the child's death. Health officials said the department has offered resources to Lewis County to assist with community outreach and support local vaccination efforts.
The outbreak in the state has infected more than 170 people. As of Oct. 24, New York had recorded 178 measles cases this year, including eight in New York City, according to health officials. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency a month earlier in response to the outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring states.
Two doses of MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles, usually for life. During outbreaks, babies as young as 6 months are eligible for a dose.
