|
Joint Statement from State Department of Health and
Lewis County Public Health on Pediatric Measles-Associated Death in Lewis
County
Published: November 02, 2026
at 09:00 p.m.
By: Joint Statement From New York State Department of
Health and Lewis County Public Health
Joint Statement From New York State Department of
Health and Lewis County Public Health on Pediatric Measles-Associated Death
in Lewis County
ALBANY, N.Y.
(November 2, 2026) – Based on information currently available, the New
York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health issued the
following joint statement on the first known measles-associated death in
New York State in more than 30 years:
"We are
deeply saddened by the death of a child in Lewis County associated with the
ongoing measles outbreak. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the
child's family and loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected
during this difficult time.
"Measles is
a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and death.
Vaccination is the best protection against measles.
"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.
"We urge New
Yorkers to ensure they are up to date on measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
vaccinations and speak to their healthcare provider about
immunizations."
Measles
Prevention and Vaccine Information
The news comes
four weeks after Governor Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in
response to the measles outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring
states, expanding the pool of eligible individuals who can administer
measles vaccines and providing swift access to additional resources if
needed.
The Department is
working with county health departments and local partners to provide the
measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to any unvaccinated individuals who
request it and to closely monitor and investigate all reported cases.
Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways
public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the
spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these
activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can
be shared to prevent more infections.
As of October 24,
there have been 178 total cases this year: 170 in New York State outside of
the city, and eight in New York City.
All New Yorkers
are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their
measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health
advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young
children.
The latest
guidance issued during this outbreak recommends that infants 6 months and
older receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection
before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed, such as
residence in a community with measles transmission.
Measles is a
highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever.
In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system's ability to fight
other infections like pneumonia. This disease is caused by a virus that is
spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the
disease by breathing in the virus or, less commonly, by touching a
contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Serious
complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage,
preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death. Long-term serious
complications can also include subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis, a type of brain inflammation resulting from an earlier
measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage years after the
initial infection.
The best
protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella
(MMR) vaccine. Those traveling domestically or internationally should
plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before
departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide
97 percent protection. Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of
the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad or to an area where measles is
prevalent or if they reside in a community with measles transmission. These
babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule
for a total of three vaccines. Anyone who is not protected can get measles
if exposed and can easily spread it to others when they return home.
The Department
has released a health
advisory for healthcare providers on clinical guidance for measles.
A person with
measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears
and as late as four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for
measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles and not immune
should quarantine for 21 days after exposure, and those who test positive
should isolate until four days after the rash appears.
Symptoms of
measles can include the following:
Seven to 14 days,
and up to 21 days after a measles infection
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
A rash can occur
3-5 days after symptoms become apparent:
- The rash usually begins as flat red spots
that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the
neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
- Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of
the flat red spots.
- The spots may become joined together as they
spread from the head to the rest of the body.
- When the rash appears, a person's fever may
spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.
How Individuals
Can Protect Themselves
- Individuals should check their vaccination
status. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should
contact a healthcare provider or local health department.
- Know the symptoms. Measles often begins with
fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically
appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across
the body. Those who are sick should call ahead before visiting a
clinic, urgent care, or emergency department so infection-control
steps can be taken.
Immunization
Guidance
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective and the
best protection against measles.
- Most people born before 1957 are considered
immune because they were likely exposed to the virus. Those who
received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 may have received a vaccine
that wasn't as effective and should talk to their health care provider
about getting revaccinated.
Find the
Department's travel
advisory urging New Yorkers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against
measles before international travel or travel to an area in the U.S.
experiencing an outbreak.
Healthcare
providers should report suspected measles cases to their local health
department.
Visit the
Department's dedicated
measles website for information about measles, current case numbers,
immunization data and information for providers.
More information
about the measles vaccine can be found here.
|
