A child died from a measles-related illness in a rural area of northern New York State, the New York State Department of Health and the Lewis County Department of Health announced on Monday. It is the first known measles-related death in the state in more than three decades, and also the fourth measles-related death in the US this year.
The measles epidemic continues to spread across the United States. By 30 October this year, 4,666 measles cases had been confirmed in the US, approximately double the number recorded during the entire previous year. In New York State, 178 cases were recorded by 24 October. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to the epidemic four weeks ago, which allowed for the expansion of the circle of healthcare workers authorised to administer measles vaccinations and ensured access to additional resources.
State health officials stated that they are working with local authorities and partners to enable vaccination for unvaccinated individuals, while intensifying surveillance of infection cases and contact tracing for those affected. Authorities are urging New York residents to check whether they have received all recommended measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and to consult their doctor regarding vaccination. Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can cause serious complications, and even death, and vaccination remains the best protection against the virus. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93 per cent protection from measles, while two doses ensure 97 per cent protection.
Infected individuals can transmit the virus approximately four days before the characteristic rash appears, and may travel and cross state borders before they even realise they are ill. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated last week that the risk of measles in Europe remains moderate for infants under 12 months, children aged one to five, and people with weakened immune systems. The risk for older unvaccinated children and adults is estimated as low to moderate, while those who have acquired immunity through vaccination or previous infection are considered a low-risk group for measles.
The largest epidemics are currently recorded in Bangladesh, with more than 65,430 cases, Indonesia with 46,578 cases, and Guatemala with 31,222 cases. In Europe, measles is endemic in 12 countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Romania reported the highest number of cases, with 30,692 cases recorded in 2024, compared with 3,371 cases in 2023. Six European countries – Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan – lost their status as countries without endemic measles transmission earlier this year, based on case data from 2024.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August supporting the recommendation to separate the combined MMR vaccine into three separate injections. Health experts have criticised this proposal, warning that the need for multiple doctor visits could create barriers and increase the risk that children do not receive all necessary doses. Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has come under fire for his statements – he questions the safety of vaccines and promotes theories linking vaccination to autism, despite extensive scientific evidence not confirming such a link.
