Child dies of measles in New York marking first state death in 30 years
The death occurred in Lewis County as the state manages a surge in measles cases and a declared disaster emergency.
An unvaccinated child has died from measles in Lewis County, New York, marking the first such death in the state in 30 years, according to reports from Business Standard and the New York Post.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated on Monday that the child died in the rural northern region, approximately 150 kilometres north of Syracuse.
The death comes as the state deals with a measles outbreak. Lewis County has reported 15 cases this year, all among unvaccinated individuals, while Seneca County has recorded 30 cases.
Hochul, a Democrat, expressed her heartbreak over the loss and criticised Washington for undermining long-term progress in protecting the public from preventable diseases.
In early October, the Governor declared a state disaster emergency due to rising cases in rural New York and neighbouring states.
The emergency order allows paramedics, midwives, and nurses to administer vaccines and order testing to help manage the outbreak.