New York declares first US measles disaster emergency since 2025 surge - Reuters

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday in response to a significant measles outbreak. This marks the first time a U.S. state has issued such a declaration since cases began to surge nationally in 2025. The emergency order aims to bolster the state's response to the rising number of infections, which have been concentrated primarily in under-immunized rural communities.

According to the executive order, New York has recorded 108 measles cases between the start of the year and October 3. Of these, 92 cases have been identified since July 15 across 18 counties. While seven cases have been reported within New York City, the vast majority of the infections are occurring in areas outside the city. In response to the spread, local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in rural regions since mid-July.

The state’s emergency declaration also expands the pool of health professionals authorized to administer the MMR vaccine, allowing registered nurses to perform the vaccinations. Governor Hochul stated that no individual should suffer serious illness or death from a disease that is preventable through immunization.

The situation in New York is occurring alongside a more severe outbreak in neighboring Pennsylvania. As of October 2, Pennsylvania reported 977 cases and five deaths, with the majority of infections located in rural counties bordering New York. By Monday, Pennsylvania health officials confirmed that their statewide total had surpassed 1,000 cases, marking the largest outbreak in that state in over three decades.

Nationwide, the United States is experiencing its most significant measles year since 1991. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nearly 3,900 cases have been reported across the country this year. The current surge represents a notable increase over typical annual levels, prompting state officials to prioritize vaccination efforts to curb further transmission.