ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – New York is reporting its first measles-related death since the mid-1990s.

As the number of cases continues to climb across the state, officials with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) confirmed earlier this week that a child from Lewis County died after contracting the virus.

“I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this child.”

According to the most recently released NYSDOH data, the Empire State is up to 210 cases for the year. Seneca County still leads all New York counties with 48 confirmed illnesses, nearly 25% of the total cases. Steuben County has 20 cases, trailing Seneca, Otsego, and Oswego Counties.

“Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease,” added Hochul. “This is New York’s first measles-related death in 30 years, a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses. In New York, we will continue to stand by proven public health measures and do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”

Tompkins County is still reporting zero positive cases.