A first among US states since the 2025 surge

Facing a measles outbreak, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday. It is the first such declaration by a US state since measles cases began surging in 2025. The order took effect the same day.

108 cases this year, most since mid-July in rural counties

The case counts cited in the executive order explain the move. New York has reported 108 measles cases this year through October 3, according to the order. It states:

• •92 of those cases have occurred since July 15 in under-immunised rural communities across 18 counties, well above typical annual levels.
• •The fast-spreading outbreak in neighbouring Pennsylvania had reached 977 cases and five deaths as of October 2, the order said.
• •Most cases there are in rural counties that border New York.

What the order changes

The order expands the pool of health professionals allowed to administer MMR vaccines as cases rise in rural communities. It also:

• •allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles;
• •allows pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two;
• •requires all MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunisation registries within 72 hours;
• •waives adults' consent for such reporting.

Vaccination itself is unchanged: it still requires the consent of the patient or a legal guardian. The emergency runs through November 4.