New York Declares Emergency Due to Measles Outbreak
On Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide emergency in response to a measles outbreak that has spread from Pennsylvania. This marks the first emergency declaration since the resurgence of measles in the U.S., which notably began increasing in 2025.
As of October 2, Pennsylvania has reported a concerning 977 cases of measles, along with five related fatalities, primarily affecting rural areas. In New York, 108 cases have been confirmed.
In a statement, Hochul emphasized, “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that this year marks the worst year for measles in the U.S. since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases documented.
Hochul also signed an executive order to widen the group of healthcare professionals authorized to administer measles vaccines. This order permits registered nurses to order tests for potential measles cases and allows pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two years old. Additionally, it mandates that all MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations be logged with state or New York City immunization registries within a span of 72 hours, streamlining the process by waiving the need for adult consent for reporting.
Health departments in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, along with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, have stated their commitment to ensuring potentially exposed infants receive preventive treatments to mitigate the severity of the disease and take necessary steps to curb its spread.
Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, the Philadelphia Health Commissioner, noted that recent exposures are a significant reminder of the importance of staying updated on vaccinations. The health department advises anyone who has been exposed and isn’t immune, or is uncertain of their vaccination status, to reach out to their healthcare provider, especially vulnerable groups like infants, pregnant individuals without immunity, or those who are immunocompromised.
The health department also indicated that some individuals may qualify for treatment post-exposure, which could prevent the onset of measles or lessen its severity. They recommend that anyone exhibiting symptoms should notify healthcare facilities in advance about any possible exposure.
Measles is known to be an incredibly contagious virus, and studies suggest that it can result in severe health complications, leading to hospitalization in nearly 20% of cases. The virus has been linked to long-term health issues such as pneumonia and brain swelling, with a small percentage of cases resulting in death.
