New York Declares Measles Emergency as Cases Surge
Governor Hochul issues statewide declaration as outbreak spreads from Pennsylvania, expanding vaccination authorization.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency on Monday due to a measles outbreak that is spreading from Pennsylvania. This marks the first emergency declaration issued since measles cases began to surge in the U.S. in 2025.
Pennsylvania has reported 977 measles cases and five deaths as of October 2, with the majority of cases concentrated in rural areas. New York has reported 108 cases.
"No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease," Hochul said in a statement. The United States is experiencing its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To combat the spread, Hochul issued an executive order that expands the number of health professionals authorized to administer measles vaccines. The order permits registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles and allows pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two years old. It also mandates that all MMR vaccinations be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, while waiving the need for adult consent for such reporting.
The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, along with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, announced last month that they are collaborating to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product. This measure aims to prevent or lessen severe disease and curb further spread.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of up-to-date vaccinations, stating that measles exposures serve as a reminder. The health department advised individuals who have been exposed and are not immune, are unsure of their vaccination status, are infants, are pregnant and not immune, or are immunocompromised to contact their doctor. They also noted that treatment after exposure can prevent measles or reduce its severity, and urged individuals developing symptoms to call healthcare facilities ahead of their visit to inform providers about possible measles exposure.
Measles is a highly contagious virus. Data indicates that one to three out of every 1,000 cases can be fatal. The virus can lead to long-term health complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Approximately 20% of individuals who contract measles are hospitalized.