Albany, New York — New York has declared a state disaster emergency after a surge in measles cases across rural communities, with health officials taking additional steps to expand vaccination access and strengthen efforts to contain the highly contagious disease.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued the executive order Monday as measles cases continued to rise across the state. The emergency declaration is intended to help New York respond more quickly to the outbreak and make it easier for healthcare professionals to vaccinate and test people who may have been exposed.
As of Saturday, New York City had reported seven confirmed measles cases, while the rest of the state had recorded 101 cases this year.
Rural New York Communities Are Seeing a Sharp Increase
The latest surge has been concentrated in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties.
Since mid-July, 92 measles cases have been reported in those communities, highlighting the growing concern among state and local health officials.
Otsego County in Central New York has recorded the highest number of measles infections in the state, with 20 cases reported since January, according to the data provided.
Hochul said the emergency declaration would strengthen the state’s response while expanding access to vaccination and testing.
“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.”
Emergency Order Expands Who Can Give MMR Vaccines
Under the executive order, New York is expanding the group of healthcare professionals who can administer the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
The expanded pool includes paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, in addition to physicians. Nurses will also be permitted to order measles testing, state officials said.
The state is additionally providing epidemiological support to help investigate confirmed cases, conduct contact tracing and speed up laboratory testing.
Those measures are intended to help health departments identify infections more quickly and reduce opportunities for the virus to spread within communities.
Pennsylvania Is Also Battling a Major Outbreak
New York’s emergency declaration comes as neighboring Pennsylvania continues to experience a significant measles outbreak. Pennsylvania has recorded 1,004 measles cases this year, including 106 new cases during the most recent week cited in the report.
The outbreak is reportedly the state’s worst since 1991 and has resulted in five deaths.
Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can remain infectious in an indoor space for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Measles Can Cause Serious Complications
Early measles symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash can develop several days after symptoms begin, often starting on the face and neck before spreading to other parts of the body.
In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose generally given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
People planning domestic or international travel are also encouraged to make sure they are fully vaccinated against measles before leaving.
Health Officials Urge New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said state health officials are working with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the outbreak.
“I appreciate Governor Hochul’s swift action to help address ongoing measles cases. Department staff are working closely with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the current measles outbreak,” McDonald said.
He also emphasized the importance of vaccination.
“The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses,” McDonald said.
Nationwide, 3,887 measles cases had been reported since the beginning of the year as of Thursday, according to the CDC data cited in the report.
Vaccination Rates Have Fallen
The latest outbreak comes as vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has declined.
CDC data showed that 92.4% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine during the 2025-2026 school year, down from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year.
State Sen. Gustavo Rivera attributed the increase in measles cases to declining childhood vaccination rates and misinformation.
“The concerning rise in measles cases is due to a decrease in childhood vaccines driven by misinformation and is causing a public health emergency,” Rivera said.
“I support Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand vaccine access and join her in calling on all New Yorkers to get their vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases like measles and the flu, which pose a greater risk to vulnerable populations,” Rivera said.
As health officials work to contain the outbreak, New Yorkers in affected communities are being urged to stay aware of local health guidance and vaccination recommendations.
What do you think about New York’s emergency response to the measles outbreak? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how the situation is affecting your community.
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