Key Takeaway:
- New York declares a disaster emergency amid the New York measles outbreak as measles cases reach 108 statewide.
- The order expands vaccine and testing access across 18 under-immunized rural counties.
- Officials urge MMR vaccination as measles cases surge nationwide.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency Monday as measles cases reached 108, expanding vaccination and testing authority amid a rural outbreak.
Hochul Expands Emergency Response
Hochul’s executive order follows a sharp increase in New York measles outbreak cases across rural New York and neighboring states. Of the 108 cases reported through Oct. 3, 92 have occurred since July 15 across 18 under-immunized rural counties, according to state officials.
Seven cases were reported in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine in rural communities since July 15.
“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said in announcing the emergency. She said the order would increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test residents and help communities respond to the outbreak.
Order Broadens Vaccine And Testing Access
The order expands the pool of health professionals permitted to administer measles vaccines during the New York measles outbreak to include paramedics, advanced emergency medical services providers, pharmacists and midwives. Registered nurses also can order testing for suspected measles cases.
The order requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to New York State or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. It waives adult consent for reporting vaccination information, but patients or legal guardians must still consent to receiving the vaccine. The emergency remains in effect through Nov. 4.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said health department staff are working with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the outbreak. “The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection,” McDonald said, urging residents to check their vaccination status.
Outbreak Adds To Nationwide Measles Surge
“The New York measles outbreak comes as measles cases rise across the United States. Nearly 3,900 cases have been reported nationally in 2026, making it the country’s worst measles year since 1991, according to federal health data cited in current reports.”
Neighboring Pennsylvania has also experienced a major outbreak, with more than 1,000 cases and five deaths reported as of early October. Many cases have occurred in rural counties bordering New York.
State Sen. Gustavo Rivera said the rise in measles cases is linked to declining childhood vaccination rates and misinformation. He backed Hochul’s effort to expand vaccine access and urged New Yorkers to get vaccinated to limit further spread.
The MMR vaccine remains the primary prevention measure promoted by New York health officials. The state launched a measles dashboard in September to help residents and health professionals track cases and local risks.
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