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Child in New York dies after contracting measles, governor says
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- A child in Lewis County, New York, has died from measles, marking the state's first measles-related death in 30 years, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
- New York is experiencing a measles outbreak with 168 cases reported statewide, prompting Hochul to declare a statewide disaster emergency last month; Lewis County alone has reported 15 cases, all unvaccinated.
- Measles cases in the US have surged to over 4,800 this year, the highest since 1990, with Pennsylvania reporting five deaths; the rise is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates.
- The US is expected to lose its measles elimination status, held since 2000, as the Pan American Health Organization prepares for a measles elimination commission meeting next week.
- Public health experts emphasize that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection, but vaccination rates have fluctuated, with 93% of 3-year-olds vaccinated in 2024, rising to 97% in 2025 amid the outbreaks; meanwhile, some public figures have spread vaccine misinformation.
