New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide disaster emergency in response to a measles outbreak, marking the first time a U.S. state has taken such action since the surge in cases began in 2025. The state has expanded the group of healthcare professionals permitted to administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines, particularly in rural areas where cases are increasing.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, stating that no one should suffer severe illness or death from such diseases. New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year up to October 3, with 92 cases reported since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities spanning 18 counties, exceeding the usual annual levels. Seven cases are in New York City, while the remaining 101 are in other parts of the state.
Neighboring Pennsylvania is also grappling with a significant outbreak, reporting 977 cases and five deaths as of October 2, mainly in rural counties bordering New York. Pennsylvania has now surpassed 1,000 cases, marking the most extensive outbreak in the state in over 30 years.
The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The emergency declaration in New York allows registered nurses to order measles tests for suspected cases and permits pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two. It mandates the reporting of all MMR vaccinations to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, with a waiver on adult consent for such reporting.
While the emergency measures are in place until November 4, vaccination still requires the consent of the patient or legal guardian to proceed.