New York reports first measles-linked death in over 30 years — here's when you should get your child vaccinated against the virus

A child in New York has died after contracting measles, marking the state's first death from the disease in more than three decades, health officials said Monday (November 2). This death was reported from a rural county in northern New York. "We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the child’s family and loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time," the state's health officials said in a statement, which did not provide more details about the deceased child.

178 cases in New York

"Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement after the death was announced on Monday.


So far this year, 178 cases of measles have been recorded in New York, according to the state health department. A large majority —170 cases — were reported from outside New York City. In Lewis County, fifteen cases have been recorded.

Measles outbreaks across states

In early October, Governor Hochul had declared the measles outbreak an emergency. In the neighboring state of Pennsylvania, health authorities are battling the country’s worst outbreak in 30 years. The state has seen more than 1,400 cases, including over 260 hospitalizations, according to its health department.

Across the United States, there have been 4,852 measles cases as of Friday, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The figure is more than double the tally of cases for last year.

When to get MMR shots?

Measles is a highly-contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications. While deaths are rare, one to three patients per 1,000 cases succumb to the infection.

Health officials say that people should be up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots. The first dose is usually given at the age of around one year and another at around 5 years. Two doses provide 97 percent protection against measles, typically for life.

When outbreaks are ongoing, babies as young as 6 months of age are eligible for a shot ahead of the two recommended shots.