Archive · 6 Oct 2026
New York Declares Measles Emergency as Cases Spread
New York has had more measles cases this year, especially in some rural communities where vaccination rates are low.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared an emergency to help the state respond.
New York counted 108 cases through October 3.
The order lets registered nurses order tests for people who may have measles.
It also lets pharmacists give MMR vaccines to children as young as two.
Vaccine records must be sent to an immunization registry within 72 hours, but people still have to agree to get vaccinated.
The emergency lasts through November 4.
Pennsylvania has also reported more than 1,000 cases and five deaths.
The United States is having its worst measles year since 1991, according to the CDC.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday, effective through November 4.
New York reported 108 measles cases through October 3, including 92 since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties.
Seven cases were reported in New York City and 101 elsewhere; local health departments administered more than 1,000 rural MMR doses since July 15.
The order lets registered nurses order tests for suspected measles and pharmacists vaccinate children as young as two; MMR vaccinations must be reported to immunization registries within 72 hours.
Pennsylvania reported more than 1,000 cases and five deaths, while the United States recorded nearly 3,900 cases, its worst measles year since 1991.
- Who
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state health officials.
- What
- New York declared a statewide disaster emergency and expanded some healthcare professionals' roles in measles testing and vaccination.
- When
- The order took effect Monday and runs through November 4; New York's case count is through October 3.
- Where
- New York State, including rural communities across 18 counties and New York City.
- Why
- Measles cases have risen, particularly in under-immunized rural communities.
- New York cases
- 108 through October 3
- Rural cases
- 92 reported since July 15 across 18 counties
- Case locations
- Seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state
- Rural MMR doses
- More than 1,000 administered by local health departments since July 15
- Emergency period
- Effective immediately on Monday through November 4
- Order measures
- Registered nurses may order tests for suspected measles; pharmacists may vaccinate children as young as two
- Vaccination reporting
- MMR vaccinations must be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours; separate adult consent for reporting is waived
- Wider outbreak
- Pennsylvania reported more than 1,000 cases and five deaths; the United States reported nearly 3,900 cases
Sources
New York Declares Statewide Health Emergency as Measles Spreads in Rural Counties
New York declares statewide disaster emergency over measles outbreak. What's happening?
New York declares first US measles disaster emergency since 2025 surge
