A child in Lewis County, New York, has died after contracting measles, state authorities announced Monday. It is the first measles-related death in the state in 30 years, according to the report.
Governor Kathy Hochul said she was heartbroken by the child’s death. Lewis County is near the Canadian border, about 500 kilometers from New York City.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 following vaccination efforts, but cases have increased in recent years amid declining vaccination rates and growing distrust of health authorities. A state of emergency was declared in New York in October as cases rose.
Since the start of 2026, 4,834 measles cases have been confirmed in the United States. The highly contagious disease can cause fever, respiratory symptoms and a rash, and may lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
Sources: Le Monde International.