New York health officials on Monday reported the state’s first measles-related death in more than 30 years.
The deceased was a child in a rural upstate New York county.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County due to an ongoing measles outbreak,” state health officials said in a statement. “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 statement did not provide further details about the children.
New York state has recorded 178 cases of measles so far this year, according to the state health department. The vast majority (170 cases) occurred outside New York City. Lewis County has reported 15 cases.
In October, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency.
“Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease,” Hochul said in a statement after Monday’s death was announced.
In neighboring Pennsylvania, health officials are battling the nation’s worst outbreak in 30 years. As of Monday, there were 1,433 cases, with 269 people hospitalized, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Six people died.
As of Oct. 30, there have been 4,852 cases of measles nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York health officials say people should make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
The first dose is usually given around 1 year old, and the other around 5 years old. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles, usually for life.
During the outbreak, babies as young as 6 months old are eligible to receive one dose before the recommended two vaccinations.