A child in New York state’s Lewis County has died in the first known death associated with measles in the state in more than 30 years. Officials announced the death Monday as New York confronts an ongoing measles outbreak.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “heartbroken” after learning of the child’s death. She offered condolences to the family while warning about the dangers posed by the highly contagious disease.

“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,” Hochul said in a statement.

“Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease. 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,” she added.

“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.”

Fox News Digital contacted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeking a response to Hochul’s comments. The source report did not include a response from the agency.

The child’s death came four weeks after Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the measles outbreak. The declaration covered affected areas of New York as well as neighboring states.

The emergency declaration expanded the group of eligible people who can administer measles vaccines. It also provided quick access to additional resources if those resources are needed during the outbreak.

Hochul said last month that she planned to seek federal assistance to combat the outbreak. Her administration has continued to emphasize vaccination and established public health measures as the state responds to rising case numbers.

The New York State Department of Health said it is working with county health departments and local partners. Those efforts include providing the MMR vaccine to unvaccinated people who request it and closely monitoring and investigating every reported case.

As of Oct. 24, New York had recorded 178 measles cases during the year. Of those cases, 170 were reported outside New York City, while eight were recorded within the city.

State health officials urged New Yorkers to make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations. They also advised residents to remain aware of health advisories when traveling with unvaccinated people, particularly young children.

“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,” the New York State Department of Health said in a statement.

The department described measles as a highly contagious disease capable of causing serious complications and death. It stressed that 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,” the department’s statement reads.

“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.”

The death has brought renewed attention to the outbreak as state and local health departments continue their vaccination and case monitoring work. Officials have focused their message on immunization, health advisories and outreach to communities confronting the ongoing spread of measles.