Child dies of measles upstate in first New York death related to disease in 30 years

For the first time in 30 years, a child in New York has died after contracting measles, state health officials said late Monday.

The child was in upstate Lewis County but officials did not release an age or whether the child had received the measles vaccine. Officials described it as the state’s first known measles related death in three decades.

Measles cases have surged throughout the United States in recent years, mostly due to communities that are unvaccinated or undervaccinated, experts have said.

There have been 178 measles cases in the state as of Oct. 24, 170 in New York State outside of the city, and eight in New York City, officials said. Lewis County accounts for 15 of those cases.

In 2025, there were 48 cases statewide and 15 in 2024.

On Long Island, a young unvaccinated child in Nassau County tested positive for measles earlier this year and last month an unvaccinated man over the age of 50 tested positive after visiting several medical offices across the county.

Last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency due to the steady increase in cases, especially in rural counties.

In a statement released Monday night, Hochul said she was “heartbroken” to learn about the child’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the ongoing measles outbreak,” the state Health Department and Lewis County Health Department said in a joint statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the child’s family and loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

They reminded New Yorkers that measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious illness and death, encouraging them to make sure they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccination.

“The Department has offered resources to Lewis County to assist with community outreach and support local vaccination efforts — both in response to this case, and as part of our ongoing efforts to support counties that are facing this ongoing measles outbreak,” the statement said.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes as well as a rash across the body.

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By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.