New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a state disaster emergency due to a measles outbreak, marking the first time a U.S. state has taken this action since the surge of cases in 2025. The state has broadened the range of health professionals authorized to administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines in response to increasing cases in rural areas.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, stating that no one should suffer severe illness or death from such diseases. New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year as of October 3, with 92 cases reported since July 15 in under-vaccinated rural communities across 18 counties, well above the usual annual levels.
Out of the total cases, seven are in New York City, and the remaining 101 are in other parts of the state. Local health authorities have administered over 1,000 MMR doses in rural regions since mid-July. In a neighboring state, Pennsylvania is facing a swiftly spreading outbreak, with 977 cases and five fatalities as of October 2, primarily in rural counties bordering New York.
Pennsylvania’s total cases surpassed 1,000, marking it as the most extensive outbreak in the state in over three decades. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles year since 1991, with nearly 3,900 reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The emergency declaration allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles and permits pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two years old. It mandates the reporting of all MMR vaccinations to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, waiving the need for adult consent for reporting purposes.
While consent for vaccination remains necessary from the patient or legal guardian, the emergency measures took effect on Monday and will be in place until November 4.