Child Dies of Measles in Upstate New York, First State Death in 30 Years
A child in upstate New York has died after contracting measles, marking the state's first known measles-related death in more than 30 years.
The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health announced the death on Monday in a joint statement, saying they were "deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak." Officials asked that the family's privacy be respected.
What We Know About the Outbreak
Authorities have not released the child's age or vaccination status.
Lewis County, a rural area in New York's North Country with fewer than 30,000 residents, had not reported a measles case since county-level data began in 1994. The outbreak there began in late September, and officials have confirmed 15 cases in the county, all among unvaccinated people, according to Ynet News.
Many of the early infections were concentrated in the town of Lowville, home to an Amish community where vaccination rates are low. In Lewis County overall, 78.7% of children had at least one vaccine dose by age 2, slightly below the state average of 80.9%.
New York's school vaccine requirement is also being challenged in court. Amish parents and schools lost in lower courts and have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.
Statewide, New York had reported 178 measles cases this year as of Oct. 24, with all but eight of them outside New York City, according to Spectrum News.
Hochul: "I Cannot Imagine What This Family Is Going Through"
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was "heartbroken" by the news. "As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through," she said.
Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Oct. 5 in response to growing outbreaks in New York and neighboring states. The order expanded who can give measles vaccines, allowing professionals such as paramedics and midwives to administer shots.
Hochul has also blamed the Trump administration for eroding public confidence in vaccines. The administration has made several changes to vaccine policy this year, including an order that changes the childhood immunization schedule.
Measles Cases Surge Nationwide
New York's outbreak is part of a much larger surge. The U.S. has recorded 4,852 measles cases so far this year, more than double the total for all of 2025 and the highest count in decades.
Pennsylvania has been especially hard hit, with 1,433 infections, 269 hospitalizations and five measles-related deaths, after its outbreak turned deadly earlier this fall.
Public health experts have pointed to declining vaccination rates as a major driver of the resurgence. The U.S. has held measles elimination status since 2000, but a Pan American Health Organization commission is set to meet Nov. 10 to 13 to review whether the country should keep it. Canada lost its status last year.
How to Protect Your Family
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling and death, according to 13WHAM.
The MMR vaccine is the best protection. One dose is about 93% effective against measles, and two doses are about 97% effective. Infants as young as 6 months may need an early dose if they are traveling to an outbreak area.
Health officials urge New Yorkers to check that they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations and to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office if they have symptoms. Grandparents and other adults who are unsure of their vaccination history can talk to their health care provider.
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