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A child in New York has died from measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 30 years, health authorities have said.
Based on an AFP report, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sadness over the death in a statement on Monday.
“I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles.”
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“As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through,” Hochul said.
The child died in Lewis County, in northern New York, according to county and state health officials.
Hochul also linked the death to health policies under the administration of US President Donald Trump. She described it as “a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses.”
The death comes as the United States faces its worst measles outbreak in 35 years. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4,834 measles cases had been reported across 47 states as of October 29.
In October, Hochul declared a disaster emergency in New York following measles outbreaks in the state and neighbouring areas.
The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000 after years of successful vaccination campaigns. However, cases have increased in recent years as vaccine scepticism and distrust of health authorities have grown.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It causes fever, respiratory symptoms and painful skin rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal. The disease remains a major public health threat worldwide, claiming tens of thousands of lives each year.
