Kathy Hochul declares NY state of emergency over measles outbreak

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency on Monday over a measles outbreak spreading from Pennsylvania.

It is the first time an emergency declaration has been issued since measles began surging in the U.S. in 2025.

Pennsylvania has reported 977 measles cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2, with most cases centered in rural communities. Meanwhile, New York has reported 108 cases.

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“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said in a statement.

The U.S. is having its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Hochul also issued an executive order expanding the number of health professionals who are approved to administer measles vaccines.

A measles alert sign hangs outside the entrance to the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where the state health department confirmed that a baby tested positive and that there is a possibility of exposure to others at the facility, in New Hyde Park, New York, on March 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

The order allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles and pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as 2. It also requires all MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, while waiving adults’ consent for such reporting.

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The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, reported last month that they are “working closely to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product to prevent or lessen severe disease and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles” amid the outbreak.

Sherry Andrews, right, holds 13-month-old Jaqi Herrera’s hand after administering the first MMR vaccine dose to Herrera at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, on February 27, 2025. (Reuters)

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson wrote that measles exposures are “a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations.”

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The health department advised that anyone who has been exposed who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact their doctor.

Girl gets checked by a doctor for measles. (iStock)

“Some people may still be eligible for treatment after exposure that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness,” the department wrote. “Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible measles exposure.”

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Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, data shows.

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The virus can cause long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling.

Nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles are hospitalized.

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Reuters contributed reporting.