A child in New York State, United States, has died after contracting measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in three decades.
Health authorities confirmed that the child died in Lewis County, in northern New York.
New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, expressed sadness over the incident, describing the death as heartbreaking and extending her condolences to the bereaved family.
In a statement, Hochul said the incident was a painful reminder of the dangers of preventable diseases and the importance of protecting public health.
She also criticised the policies of the administration of President Donald Trump, alleging that the federal government’s actions were weakening decades of progress in preventing infectious diseases.
The development comes as the United States battles its worst measles outbreak in 35 years.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 4,834 measles cases had been reported across 47 states as of October 29.
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Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications, particularly among unvaccinated children. Health officials continue to encourage vaccination as the most effective means of preventing the disease.
