Measles Outbreak Declared Disaster Emergency in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a disaster emergency due to the increasing number of measles cases in rural regions of New York and neighboring Pennsylvania.

So, what does this declaration actually entail?

Dr. James McDonald, the state’s health commissioner, provided insights on the emergency declaration during a discussion with Sean Carlson from All Things Considered.

Here’s a summary of their conversation:

Why has a disaster emergency been declared? What implications does it have?

This declaration means we’ve received greater authority from the governor. Currently, there are 110 reported measles cases in New York state—more than double the total cases from last year. The executive order arms us with new capabilities. For instance, more healthcare personnel, like EMTs, paramedics, and pharmacists, are now allowed to administer the vaccine, which is crucial.

Additionally, the order enables increased testing efforts, allowing nurses to conduct tests for measles more efficiently. This will help us detect cases sooner and control the spread. Lastly, we can now access immunization data for adults in our registry, which will assist in identifying communities at risk for outbreaks.

The number of cases has roughly doubled in just three weeks. Any insights on the origin of these cases? Are they primarily from Pennsylvania?

The cases are mostly occurring in rural New York, and we’re observing significant local transmission. Measles is notably the most contagious disease, which means it can spread rapidly, particularly within families. If a family isn’t vaccinated, it’s likely that most will contract the virus. The good thing is, measles is nearly 100% preventable.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, established in 1971, remains our best defense against this disease. We need to boost vaccination rates quickly to achieve community immunity—that’s essential.

I want to emphasize that what we see currently is not typical. In 2025, the United States recorded around 2,400 measles cases, but this year, we’re nearing 3,700, and it’s still rising. Historically, we averaged fewer than 100 cases annually, so experiencing thousands of cases for a vaccine-preventable disease is unacceptable.

What about the symptoms? Why is measles considered a serious threat?

Measles symptoms initially appear like a cold—cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and some redness. A few days in, a rash develops, alongside possible throat spots. The real danger arises when complications like pneumonia occur; some individuals may experience respiratory failure, and about one in five measles cases leads to hospitalization.

This is far from a mild childhood illness. Interestingly, the current outbreak has seen two-thirds of cases in adults. While New York has stringent vaccine requirements—especially for school entry—adults between 18 and 69 should verify that they’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine. If there’s uncertainty, I recommend contacting your local health department.

Counties such as Oswego, Seneca, and Steuben have high case numbers this year, far from urban areas. Should city residents be concerned?

If you’re unvaccinated with regard to the MMR vaccine, yes, there’s a reason for concern. Measles doesn’t adhere to geographical boundaries. Notably, individuals are contagious four days before exhibiting symptoms, yet they can unknowingly spread the virus during that time, and they remain contagious four days after symptoms commence.

Are there specific geographic areas with lower vaccination rates?

I’m particularly worried about Western, Central, and Northern New York. However, it’s essential to note that we lack comprehensive data on adult immunization rates. New York law mandates immunization data collection for those under 18, leaving gaps in our understanding for adults. Fortunately, the executive order will help us gather information on adult MMR vaccination rates.

It’s not always about vaccine hesitancy; sometimes, it’s just a lack of awareness. We’ve successfully administered over 1,200 MMR vaccines recently. Our approach often involves engaging communities in discussions—sometimes those happen informally, right at someone’s kitchen table. Health departments are taking the initiative to engage directly with residents, offering vaccinations and addressing their questions on the spot.