New York declares statewide disaster emergency as measles cases rise
Summary
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency because measles cases are rising, especially in rural areas with low vaccination rates. The order allows more health workers to give MMR vaccines and requires quick reporting of vaccine information to health registries.Key Facts
- New York reported 108 measles cases this year, with 92 since mid-July in rural areas.
- The emergency declaration is the first by a US state since measles cases surged in 2025.
- The order lets registered nurses order measles tests and pharmacists vaccinate children as young as two.
- All MMR vaccine shots must be reported to state or city immunization registries within 72 hours.
- Adults’ consent for reporting vaccine information is waived, but consent is still needed to get vaccinated.
- Neighboring Pennsylvania has had 977 measles cases and five deaths, mostly in rural counties near New York.
- The emergency order is effective from October 5 through November 4, 2026.
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