New York reports first measles-related death in 30 years

A child in New York has become the first victim of measles-related death in the state in 30 years, state health authorities announced on Monday. The young victim succumbed to the illness in Lewis County, located in the northern part of the state. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her grief over the tragic incident, stating that as a mother and grandmother, she cannot fathom the anguish the family is undergoing.

Hochul, a Democrat, linked the death to policies implemented during the Trump administration, describing it as a grim reminder of what is at risk when Washington undermines decades of progress in safeguarding Americans from preventable diseases.

The United States is grappling with its most severe measles outbreak in 35 years, with 4,834 cases reported across 47 states as of October 29, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response to the measles outbreaks in New York and neighboring states, Governor Hochul declared a disaster emergency in October.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US back in 2000 following successful vaccination campaigns; however, the disease has been experiencing a worrying resurgence in recent years due to rising vaccine skepticism and increased mistrust of health authorities. Measles brings about symptoms such as fever, respiratory issues, painful rashes, and, in severe cases, pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can ultimately result in death.

Despite the successful elimination of the disease in the US, it continues to claim tens of thousands of lives worldwide each year.