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."
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/2026-11-02_measles.htm
@ai6yr Man, I feel like every few months now I bring up on here how I got measles in my 20s because my Dad flaked on getting my kid vaccinations completed, and you DO NOT want to get measles. It sucked. And it left me with post-viral nonsense.
Parents in the days before vaccines would have given anything to have the vaccines we have now. Does nobody remember from the Little House books how Mary went blind from Scarlet Fever? People are still alive today who were crippled by polio.