Photo: CDC (colorized archive)
A child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday, November 2, identifying the death as the state’s first measles-related death in 30 years and urging vaccination against the highly contagious disease.
In the governor’s statement, Hochul expressed sympathy for the child’s family and said vaccination remains the best protection against measles. The statement did not disclose the child’s name, age or vaccination status.
Reuters, citing the New York State Department of Health, reported that the death was connected with an ongoing measles outbreak and was the state’s first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years. Hochul’s own statement used the phrase “in 30 years.”
“I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles,” Hochul said. “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.”
“Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease,” the governor said.
Neither the governor’s statement nor the Reuters report reviewed for this story provided further information about the child’s medical history or the circumstances of the infection. The available accounts do not establish the child’s vaccination status or identify a particular community as the source of infection.
Hochul said New York would continue to support proven public-health measures to keep residents safe and healthy. The announcement confirms the death but leaves the child’s personal details undisclosed.
JBizNews Desk | Albany, New York
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