New York child dies from measles in state’s first fatal case in 30 years
New York governor says case is ‘devastating reminder of what’s at stake’ when vaccine protections are eroded
TL;DR
- A child in Lewis County, New York, has died from measles.
- This is the first measles-related death in New York in 30 years.
- Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the death on declining vaccination rates and federal policy.
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications.
- US domestic measles spread was halted in 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but these have fallen.
- The CDC has confirmed three measles-associated deaths in the US this year, with state health departments reporting higher numbers.
- New York declared a disaster emergency in October due to measles cases in neighboring states and rural New York.
- The CDC reported 4,588 cases of measles nationally as of late October, more than double the previous year's tally.
- Robert F Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for comments on vaccines and for reducing childhood immunization recommendations.