Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide disaster emergency over a growing measles outbreak, with cases increasingly concentrated in rural communities where vaccination rates are lower.

New York has recorded 108 confirmed measles cases through October 3, including 101 outside New York City and seven within the five boroughs. Since July 15 alone, 92 cases have been identified across 18 rural counties, prompting local health departments to administer more than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses.

The emergency order, which remains in effect through November 4, broadens the pool of healthcare professionals who can help respond to the outbreak. Pharmacists will be permitted to vaccinate children as young as two, while registered nurses can order measles testing. The order also requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or city immunization registries within 72 hours.

The situation comes as measles cases have surged nationwide. Nearly 3,900 cases have been reported across the U.S. in 2026, the highest annual total in decades. Neighboring Pennsylvania has been particularly hard hit, with more than 1,000 cases and five reported deaths.

Hochul said the emergency declaration is intended to give health officials additional tools to contain the outbreak.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said. “That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test.”

Hochul also received her flu shot Monday and encouraged New Yorkers to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations as respiratory-virus season approaches.