Measles Outbreak Prompts State Disaster Emergency
ALBANY—Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order on Monday, October 5 declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states. According to a press release, the Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed. The governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year’s flu vaccine to protect against infection.
“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,” Gov. 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.”
The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing.
Monday’s announcement builds on the state’s ongoing measles response efforts, including the launch of a Measles Dashboard allowing the public and healthcare officials to track local health risks and raise awareness about measles.
In addition to clinical education and guidance for providers, epidemiological support for case investigation and contact tracing, and expedited laboratory testing, the State Department of Health continues to support local health departments with vaccines, community outreach efforts to increase awareness, data analytic support, and clinically accurate and culturally meaningful immunization education.
According to reports, as of October 3 there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of New York City for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.
Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State, officials said.
Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections.
All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed.
Visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/ for information about measles, current case numbers, immunization data and information for providers. To read the Executive Order, visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/eo-65-measles.pdf.
