CIDRAP-Child dies of measles in New York state for first time in 30 years

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Child dies of measles in New York state for first time in 30 years

www.cidrap.umn.edu

Child dies of measles in New York state for first time in 30 years​

Meghan Holohan

Today at 3:41 p.m.
Measles


A child in Lewis County, New York, has died of measles, the state’s first death related to the virus in 30 years. No other details were given.

“I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said yesterday in a statement. “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.”

The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health confirmed the death.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak,” the agencies said yesterday in a joint 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.”

Infections top 200 in the state​

New York is experiencing a measles outbreak, with 210 cases through October 31, according to an update today from the state health department, which added 32 new cases.

In her statement, Hochul said that the child’s death is “a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses.”

In the past, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, US Department of Health and Human Services secretary, has sown doubt about the safety of vaccines and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in particular.

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

The New York health department is coordinating efforts with Lewis County to bolster local MMR vaccination and community outreach. It also stressed that it is partnering with local organizations throughout the state to provide MMR vaccination and contact tracing.

“All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children,” the health department said.

Cases mount in Pennsylvania outbreak​

Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with 1,433 cases as of yesterday—up 74 cases from last week. The state also reports 269 measles hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths so far this year.

As of October 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted 4,852 confirmed cases of measles throughout the United States, including three deaths, as is has yet to confirm all of Pennsylvania’s death. This is the most measles cases in the country in the past 35 years.