New York health authorities reported this Monday the first measles-related death in the state in more than 30 years.
A child died from the disease in a rural county in northern New York.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County related to the measles outbreak. We extend our sincere condolences to the child’s family and loved ones, and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” state health officials said in a statement.
The statement did not provide additional details about the child.
So far this year, there have been 178 cases of measles in New York, according to the state Department of Health. The vast majority – 170 cases – took place outside of New York City. 15 cases have been reported in Lewis County.
In October, Governor Kathy Hochul declared the outbreak a an emergency.
(With measles cases on the rise, Pennsylvania doctors see effects the virus can have on children)
“Measles is very contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease,” he said in a statement after the death was announced Monday.
In the neighboring state of Pennsylvania, health officials are facing the country’s worst outbreak in 30 years. As of Monday, 1,433 cases had been recorded, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, including 269 hospitalizations. Six people have died.
As of Friday, 4,852 cases of measles had been recorded nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
New York health officials recommended that people make sure keep your vaccines up to date against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
(A 40-year-old woman with measles dies in Pennsylvania, as the US faces its worst outbreak in decades)
Typically, the first dose is administered around the first year of age and the second around the age of 5 years. Two doses offer 9% protection against measles, usually for life.
During outbreaks, babies as young as 6 months old can receive one dose before the two recommended vaccines.
