Lewis County child dies in New York measles outbreak

New York reported its first measles-related death in more than 30 years on Monday. The victim was a child in Lewis County, a rural area in the state's north.

State health officials said they were deeply saddened by the loss and asked for privacy for the family. They did not release further details about the child.

The death occurred during a surge in cases across the state. As of Monday, the health department had recorded 178 measles cases in New York this year. Of those, 170 were outside New York City. Lewis County accounted for 15 cases.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared the outbreak an emergency in October. After the announcement of the death, she noted that measles is highly contagious and that vaccination remains the best protection.

The outbreak extends beyond state lines. Pennsylvania has reported 1,433 cases, including 269 hospitalizations and six deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted 4,852 cases nationally as of Oct. 30.

Health officials advised residents to verify their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status. The standard schedule involves a first dose around age 1 and a second dose around age 5. Two doses provide 97% protection. During outbreaks, infants as young as 6 months may receive an early dose.