A child in Lewis County, New York has died from measles, state officials announced Monday — the first measles-associated death in New York in more than 30 years, as an outbreak continues to spread across the state.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “heartbroken” by the news.
“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.
Hochul tied the death to federal vaccine policy changes under the Trump administration, saying the case is “a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses.” She added that New York will “continue to stand by proven public health measures and do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”
The CDC still recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, saying that regimen offers the best protection against measles, even as the administration has revised the childhood immunization schedule and reviewed how vaccines are recommended more broadly. Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for comment on Hochul’s remarks.
The child’s death comes about four weeks after Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency over the measles outbreak spreading through parts of New York and neighboring states. That declaration expanded who can administer measles vaccines and opened faster access to additional resources. Hochul said last month she also planned to seek federal assistance to fight the outbreak.
As of Oct. 24, New York had logged 178 measles cases for the year — 170 outside New York City and eight within the city.
The New York State Department of Health said it is working with county health departments to get the MMR vaccine to any unvaccinated resident who requests it, and is closely monitoring and investigating every reported case.
“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 department said.
State officials called measles a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and death, and again urged vaccination as the “best protection” against it.
“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. “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.”
