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Health authorities in New York have confirmed the death of a child from measles, the first fatality linked to the disease in the state in three decades.
The child died in Lewis County, located in the northern part of New York, according to officials.
Governor Kathy Hochul reacted to the incident in a statement on Monday, expressing sympathy with the bereaved family.
“I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles,” she said.
“As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through.”
Hochul also used the incident to criticise the health policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that efforts to protect Americans against preventable diseases should not be undermined.
The death comes as measles infections continue to rise across the United States, which is experiencing its largest outbreak of the disease in 35 years.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 4,834 cases had been recorded in 47 states as of October 29.
In response to outbreaks in New York and neighbouring states, Hochul declared a disaster emergency in October.
Although the United States declared measles eliminated in 2000 following years of vaccination campaigns, the disease has re-emerged in recent years. The resurgence has been linked to growing resistance to vaccines and declining public confidence in health authorities.
