New York declares statewide disaster emergency over rising measles cases

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday in response to a measles outbreak, the first such step taken by any US state since case numbers began climbing in 2025.

According to the executive order, New York has recorded 108 measles cases so far this year through October 3, with 92 of those occurring since July 15 across 18 counties with low vaccination rates. These figures are well above what the state typically sees annually.

Outbreak spreading nearby

Across the border, Pennsylvania is facing an even larger and faster-moving outbreak, with 977 cases and five deaths recorded as of October 2, concentrated mainly in rural counties adjacent to New York.

Expanded response measures

The emergency order broadens who can administer MMR vaccines. Registered nurses are now authorized to order testing for suspected measles cases, while pharmacists can vaccinate children as young as two years old.

The order further mandates that all MMR vaccinations be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, and it removes the requirement for adult consent specifically for that reporting step. However, the vaccination itself still requires consent from the patient or their legal guardian.

The disaster emergency took effect Monday and is set to remain in place until November 4.