First Measles Death in New York in More Than 30 Years
A child has died of measles in the US state of New York, marking the state’s first death from the disease in more than 30 years.
The New York State Department of Health and the Lewis County Public Health Department announced the child’s death on Monday. According to officials, the unvaccinated child from Lewis County died after contracting measles amid an outbreak across the state.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed deep sorrow over the child’s death. In a statement, she said that, as a mother and grandmother, she could not imagine what the family was going through. She also offered her condolences to everyone who knew and loved the child.
The governor said measles is an extremely contagious and dangerous disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it. Noting that this was New York’s first measles-related death in more than 30 years, she described the incident as a grave warning.
Authorities have not disclosed the child’s identity, age or gender. The last measles-related deaths in New York occurred between March 1990 and the summer of 1991. During that period, a major outbreak in New York City killed at least 21 people and infected thousands.
Lewis County, a rural area in the North Country region of northern New York, has recorded the fourth-highest number of measles cases among the state’s counties this year. As of last week, 15 cases had been reported there. Seneca County has recorded the highest number, with 30 cases.
According to the Lewis County Public Health Department, none of the 15 people diagnosed with measles in the county this year had received the vaccine against the disease.
As infections continued to rise, Governor Kathy Hochul issued an emergency executive order in the state last month. The order aimed to enable a faster response and expand access to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Under the emergency measures, nurses are now authorised to order measles tests. The state administration will also provide additional support to local health authorities to identify infected people, trace their contacts and confirm test results quickly.
Health officials have urged everyone to ensure they have received the required doses of the MMR vaccine. They have particularly advised people to follow health guidelines and take precautions when travelling with unvaccinated children.
In a statement, the New York State Department of Health said measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and even death. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against it.
Authorities said they are providing necessary support in Lewis County to raise public awareness and carry out vaccination programmes as part of efforts to contain the ongoing outbreak.
The measles virus spreads through the air. An infected person can transmit the virus by coughing, sneezing or talking. Even after an infected person has left an area, the virus can remain in the air, potentially infecting unvaccinated people who enter the area for up to two hours.
