New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide disaster emergency as measles cases continue to rise, particularly in rural communities with low vaccination coverage. The emergency order, announced on October 5, is the first such declaration by a US state since measles cases began surging in 2025.
New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year, including 101 outside New York City and seven in the city. Since July 15, 92 cases have been identified in under-immunised rural communities across 18 counties. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine since the outbreak intensified.
Under the emergency measures, pharmacists, paramedics, advanced emergency medical service providers and midwives will be allowed to administer MMR vaccines, while nurses can order diagnostic testing for suspected cases. Vaccinations must also be reported to state immunisation registries within 72 hours.
The emergency order will remain in effect until November 4 as authorities intensify vaccination, testing and contact-tracing efforts. The development comes amid a wider US measles resurgence, with nearly 3,900 cases reported nationwide in 2026.
