Child dies of measles in New York's first such death in 30 years
[November 03, 2026]
LOWVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A child in rural northern New York has died
after contracting measles, marking the state's first death from the
disease in 30 years, state officials announced Monday.
The child died in Lewis County, about 93 miles (150 kilometers) north of
Syracuse, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
The U.S. stopped the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining
high vaccination rates, but they have fallen in recent years to below
the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease.
Hochul, a Democrat, said the child’s death is “a devastating reminder of
what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress
in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed three
measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year, but state health
departments have reported higher numbers. Pennsylvania health officials
have reported five deaths this year and are investigating a possible
sixth.
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A measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine at Union Community Care
clinic in Lancaster, Pa., on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (AP
Photo/Jessie Wardarski)
 Hochul declared a disaster emergency
in early October because of measles cases in neighboring states and
in rural areas of New York. The executive order extended the pool of
people who can administer measles vaccines to include paramedics,
midwives and others, and it allowed nurses to join doctors in
ordering testing.
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