Child Dies of Measles in New York, First in 30 Years

By Lisa F. Keith

New York has recorded its first measles death in three decades. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday, November 2, that a child in Lewis County, about 93 miles north of Syracuse, had died after catching the virus. State health officials later confirmed the child was unvaccinated. The county had reported 15 measles cases as of October 14, and all of them were in people who had not received the MMR vaccine. Hochul called the death a heartbreaking reminder of what is at stake when vaccination progress is weakened. The loss comes about a month after she declared a statewide disaster emergency to speed up vaccinations, especially in rural areas. CDC data shows 168 cases in New York so far. Nationwide, more than 4,800 cases have been reported this year, the most since 1991. Pennsylvania alone has reported five measles-related deaths. Doctors say measles can lead to pneumonia and brain swelling in children, and about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who catch it end up in the hospital. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give about 97% protection. State and county health departments are urging New Yorkers to check their vaccination records and are offering MMR shots to anyone who asks. Parents who are unsure of their child's status should call their pediatrician or local health department.