ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency Monday over a growing measles outbreak, expanding access to vaccinations as cases spread through under-immunized communities across New York.
New York has recorded over 102 measles cases this year, including 92 since mid-July, according to state figures. Cases have been reported across 18 counties, with health officials focusing vaccination efforts on rural areas where immunization rates are low.
The emergency order broadens the pool of health professionals who can administer the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. It allows pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as 2 and gives registered nurses additional authority to order diagnostic testing. It also requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours.
Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 MMR doses in affected communities, state officials said.
The New York outbreak comes during the worst year for measles nationally in decades. Nearly 3,900 cases have been reported in the United States in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991. Neighboring Pennsylvania has recorded more than 1,000 cases and five deaths.
New York’s emergency declaration took effect Monday and is scheduled to remain in place through Nov. 4.
