New York Reports First Measles-Related Death In More Than 30 Years
2 hours ago
New York health officials have confirmed the state's first measles-related death in more than three decades, as authorities continue responding to an outbreak of the highly contagious disease.
The New York State Department of Health announced that a child in Lewis County, north of Syracuse, died after contracting measles.
Officials have not released the child's age or vaccination status, and additional details surrounding the death have not been made public.
The death comes amid a rise in measles infections across the state. As of October 24, New York had recorded 178 confirmed cases this year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency in October in response to the outbreak, allowing state agencies to coordinate resources and strengthen efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
Although many patients recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death. Young children and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness.
Health officials are urging New Yorkers to review their vaccination records and make sure they are protected against the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children, with the first dose generally administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6.
State health officials are also encouraging residents who believe they may have been exposed to measles to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to help prevent further transmission.
The New York State Department of Health announced that a child in Lewis County, north of Syracuse, died after contracting measles.
Officials have not released the child's age or vaccination status, and additional details surrounding the death have not been made public.
The death comes amid a rise in measles infections across the state. As of October 24, New York had recorded 178 confirmed cases this year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency in October in response to the outbreak, allowing state agencies to coordinate resources and strengthen efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
Although many patients recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death. Young children and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness.
Health officials are urging New Yorkers to review their vaccination records and make sure they are protected against the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children, with the first dose generally administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6.
State health officials are also encouraging residents who believe they may have been exposed to measles to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to help prevent further transmission.