Lewis County child’s death is first measles-associated death in New York in 30 years
The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health announced Nov. 2 that a Lewis County child died in association with the ongoing measles outbreak.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
A Lewis County child has died in association with the ongoing measles outbreak, state and county health officials announced Monday, Nov. 2. Officials said it is the first known measles-associated death in New York state in more than 30 years.
The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health asked the family’s privacy to be respected. Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was heartbroken by the death and expressed condolences to the child’s family and loved ones.
Measles outbreak in New York
New York had 178 measles cases as of Oct. 24, including 170 outside New York City and eight in the city, state officials said. Lewis County had 15 cases as of Oct. 14, according to county data, the fourth-highest total among the state’s 62 counties. Seneca County had 30 cases, followed by Otsego County with 21 and Steuben County with 19.
Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Oct. 5 because of the growing statewide outbreak, particularly in rural areas. The emergency is scheduled to continue through Nov. 4.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and death. State and county health officials said vaccination is the best protection and urged New Yorkers to make sure they are current on measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccinations and to speak with a health care provider about immunizations.
Resources for Lewis County residents
The state is offering resources to Lewis County for community outreach and vaccination efforts. The state also is working with county health departments to provide MMR vaccine to unvaccinated people who request it and to monitor and investigate reported cases.
Lewis County Public Health is at 7785 N. State St., Suite 2, in Lowville. Residents can call 315-376-5453 or visit the Lewis County Public Health website. State measles information is available through the New York State Department of Health.
The state measles dashboard updates on Tuesdays. The disaster emergency is set to expire Nov. 4, and the state’s vaccination and outbreak response will continue through county health departments.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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