New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a statewide disaster emergency in response to a measles outbreak, marking the first time a U.S. state has taken such action since cases began to rise in 2025. To combat the increasing number of measles cases in rural communities, the state has expanded the group of healthcare professionals authorized to administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines.
Hochul emphasized the importance of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, stating that no one should suffer serious illness or death from such illnesses. New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year as of October 3, including 92 cases since July 15 in under-immunized rural areas across 18 counties, significantly surpassing typical yearly levels.
Of the reported cases, seven are in New York City, while 101 are in other parts of the state. Local health departments have administered over 1,000 MMR doses in rural regions since mid-July. Meanwhile, neighboring Pennsylvania is grappling with a rapidly spreading measles outbreak, with 977 cases and five fatalities as of October 2, primarily in rural counties bordering New York.
According to health officials, Pennsylvania’s total cases have exceeded 1,000, making it the most extensive outbreak in the state in over 30 years. The U.S. is facing its worst measles year since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As part of the emergency measures, registered nurses are now permitted to order tests for suspected measles, and pharmacists can vaccinate children as young as two. Additionally, the order mandates that all MMR vaccinations be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, with the requirement for adult consent waived for reporting purposes.
While consent for vaccination remains necessary from patients or legal guardians, the emergency declaration went into effect on Monday and is set to continue through November 4.
