The state of New York has confirmed the first fatal case of measles in more than three decades, after a minor died as a result of complications linked to this disease, as the state health authorities have detailed.
"We deeply mourn the death of a child in Lewis County (in the north of the state) associated with the measles outbreak. We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family and loved ones," the county authorities said in a statement.
Local authorities have pointed out that they are focusing on information and prevention efforts, with the aim of increasing public awareness and strengthening vaccination campaigns, in a context in which this case adds to the fourth measles death recorded so far this year in the United States.
According to the figures released by the federal government, during 2026 there were 4,852 confirmed cases of measles spread across 43 different outbreaks, a notable increase compared with the 2,289 cases reported the previous year. In the year 2000, the country had declared measles eradicated following a broad and sustained immunization campaign.