New York state reports first measles-linked child death in over 30 years amid outbreak

New York State reported its first measles-associated child death in over 30 years, in Lewis County, amid an ongoing outbreak. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency last month. As of October 24, New York had 178 measles cases this year. The CDC recorded three measles-related deaths nationally; Pennsylvania reported 1,433 cases and five deaths.

The New York State Health Department announced on Monday that a child in Lewis County died in connection with an ongoing measles outbreak, marking the state's first measles-associated death in over 30 years. Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring states. The state department said it has offered resources to Lewis County for community outreach and vaccination efforts. The death comes as the US experiences its worst measles resurgence in decades. As of October 24, New York reported 178 measles cases this year, including 170 outside New York City and 8 in the city. The CDC has recorded three measles-related deaths nationally this year but did not name the states. Pennsylvania has been the epicenter, with 1,433 cases and five deaths. The article notes a policy shift under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with the CDC switching to National Center for Health Statistics mortality data to track measles deaths, replacing reliance on state health departments' figures.