Lewis County Girl Dies of Measles, First in New York in 30 Years
Governor Hochul links the death to declining vaccination rates and expanded emergency health protocols.
By Anthony Lawson ·
A young girl in rural northern New York died from measles, marking the first death from the disease in the state in three decades. State officials announced the finding on Monday. The victim resided in Lewis County, located roughly 150 kilometers north of Syracuse.
New York has not seen an internal measles outbreak since 2000, a milestone achieved through high vaccination coverage. Recent data shows that coverage has dropped below the 95 percent threshold needed to stop the spread of the virus. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, called the death a devastating reminder of what happens when national progress on preventable diseases is eroded.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed three measles-related deaths in the United States this year. State health departments have reported higher numbers. Pennsylvania officials have documented five deaths this year and are investigating a possible sixth case.
In early October, Hochul declared a disaster emergency state due to measles cases in neighboring states and rural New York areas. The executive order widened the group of medical professionals allowed to administer measles vaccines. Paramedics, midwives, and other workers can now give the shots. Nurses were also granted the authority to request testing alongside physicians.
