New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide disaster emergency as a growing measles outbreak spreads through communities across the state, with more than 100 cases confirmed so far this year.

As of Oct. 3, New York had recorded 108 measles cases in 2026 — seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state. Of those, 92 have been reported since July 15, primarily in under-immunized rural communities spanning 18 counties.

“After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease,” Hochul said.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease.”

The executive order, which took effect Monday and remains in effect through Nov. 4, significantly expands the number of healthcare professionals permitted to administer the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives are among those being granted expanded authority, while registered nurses are being permitted to order testing for suspected measles cases.

Pharmacists are also permitted under the emergency order to vaccinate children as young as two. MMR vaccinations must be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. Patient or guardian consent remains required to administer the vaccine.

Local health departments have already administered more than 1,000 MMR doses in rural New York since July 15 as officials attempt to contain the outbreak.

The situation is considerably worse in neighboring Pennsylvania, where officials announced Monday that the number of measles cases has surpassed 1,000. Five deaths have been reported there, and the outbreak is the state’s largest in more than three decades.

Nationwide, nearly 3,900 measles cases have been reported in 2026, making this the worst year for the disease in the United States since 1991.

New York’s Department of Health has also launched a statewide measles dashboard to track cases and provide information about local outbreaks.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)