NY Gov. Hochul declares measles disaster emergency as cases rise in rural counties
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 01: Boxes and vials of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella Virus Vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. Cases of Measles are on the rise in West Texas as over 150 conf
NEW YORK - Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a measles disaster emergency in New York in response to a growing number of cases in rural parts of the state, as well as neighboring states.
New York measles outbreak
What we know:
On Monday, Hochul signed an executive order which her office says enables state agencies to "respond more swiftly" to the measles outbreak and "allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested."
There have been 108 measles cases confirmed in New York as of Oct. 3.
Seven cases have been found in New York City, while 101 have been diagnosed outside the five boroughs, according to Hochul's office.
Ninety-two cases have been reported in rural communities across 18 counties since July 15, the state said. Officials noted they were concentrated among "under-immunized" communities.
Measles in the Northeast: PA and MD cases surge as NYC and DC report single digits
As measles cases rise nationwide, the Northeast is experiencing both the worst of the outbreaks and the strongest examples of containment.
What they're saying:
The New York State Health Department says the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection for most people.
"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 in a statement. "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."'
Pennsylvania measles cases
Local perspective:
Neighboring Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases since the beginning of an outbreak in April.
Pennsylvania health officials said that nearly 200 patients have been hospitalized, and five deaths have been reported.
Pennsylvania measles outbreak passes 1,000 cases in worst year for US since 1991
A measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has become the largest one experienced by a state in more than three decades as the number of reported cases crosses into four-digit territory.
Symptoms to watch for
Dig deeper:
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is known for causing a severe rash and fever. It is spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing into the air, but may also be contracted by touching a contaminated surface.
According to the New York Department of Health, serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death.
The Source: This story includes details and statements from the New York State Department of Health and Gov. Kathy Hochul's office about the ongoing measles outbreak.