New York reports its first measles death in more than 30 years: a child in Lewis County

FACTS

A child in Lewis County in northern New York has died after contracting measles, the state's first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years, the state Health Department and Lewis County Public Health said Monday evening. Officials released no details about the child and asked for the family's privacy.

New York has recorded 178 measles cases this year as of Oct. 24: 170 outside New York City and eight in the city. Fifteen were in Lewis County. Health officials urged New Yorkers to make sure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine. Gov. Kathy Hochul called the death "a devastating reminder" and blamed Washington for eroding public-health protections.