New York declares disaster emergency as measles cases surge to 108

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday, October 5, 2026, in response to a significant measles outbreak. As of October 3, the state has reported 108 confirmed measles cases this year, with 92 cases occurring since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties. Seven cases have been confirmed in New York City, with the remaining 101 cases distributed elsewhere in the state. The emergency declaration marks the first such action by any U.S. state since measles cases began surging in 2025.

The executive order expands the pool of healthcare professionals authorized to administer measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to include paramedics, advanced EMS personnel, midwives, and pharmacists. Registered nurses are now authorized to order diagnostic tests for suspected measles cases, and pharmacists can vaccinate children aged 2 and older. All MMR vaccination records must be entered into the state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. The state has also launched a Measles Dashboard to help the public and health officials track local risks. Since July 15, rural health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine.

The outbreak extends beyond New York's borders. Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,004 measles cases across 39 counties in 2026, with five confirmed measles-associated deaths—the largest outbreak in that state in more than three decades. Outbreaks have also been recorded in Texas, Utah, Ohio, and South Carolina. Nationally, the United States had reported 3,887 confirmed measles cases as of October 1, 2026, the highest number since 1991. Of these, 3,869 cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions, with 18 cases among international visitors.

Health experts attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination coverage. U.S. kindergarten vaccination coverage fell to 92.4 percent in the 2025-2026 school year, below the recommended 95 percent threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks, with some communities experiencing even lower coverage rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best protection against measles. The emergency declaration will remain in effect through November 4, 2026.

The U.S. had eliminated domestic measles transmission by 2000. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is scheduled to meet in November to determine whether the United States and Mexico will retain their measles-free status or whether that designation will be updated.