New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency as measles cases increased across the state, particularly in under-immunized rural communities. The order also expands the group of health professionals authorized to administer measles-mumps-rubella vaccines.
New York had recorded 108 measles cases through Oct. 3. Of those, 92 were reported since July 15 across rural communities in 18 counties, according to the executive order. Seven cases were in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state.
Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses in rural areas since July 15. The emergency declaration remains in effect through Nov. 4.
“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said in announcing the measure.
The order allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles cases and permits pharmacists to administer MMR vaccines to children as young as two.
It also requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to New York State or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours and waives the requirement for adult consent to report those vaccinations.
Consent is still required before a patient receives the vaccine, either from the individual or a legal guardian.
Pennsylvania outbreak passes 1,000 cases
New York’s declaration comes as neighboring Pennsylvania deals with a much larger outbreak. Pennsylvania reported 1,004 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties as of Oct. 5, according to the state Department of Health.
The outbreak has resulted in five deaths and is the state’s largest in more than three decades. Many cases have occurred in rural counties, including areas near the New York border.
Pennsylvania had reported 977 cases as of Oct. 2 before the total moved above 1,000 on Monday. State health officials said the outbreak had continued spreading through several communities.
US records worst measles year since 1991
The wider U.S. outbreak has pushed national measles cases to their highest level in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,887 confirmed cases as of Oct. 1, making 2026 the country’s worst year for measles since 1991.
Cases have been reported across 47 jurisdictions. New York’s emergency declaration is the first statewide disaster declaration tied to the current measles surge that began in 2025, according to Reuters.
The New York measures are intended to increase access to vaccination and speed testing as officials respond to outbreaks outside major urban centers. The state will keep the expanded authorities in place through Nov. 4 unless the emergency order is extended or changed.
