New York Gov.
Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday in response to a growing measles outbreak that originated in Pennsylvania.
The declaration is the first emergency measure since measles cases began surging nationwide in 2025.
Public health records show Pennsylvania has recorded 977 measles cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2, with infections concentrated mainly in rural regions.
New York has identified 108 cases during the same period.
"No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease," Hochul said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 3,900 cases nationwide, making 2026 the worst year for measles in the United States since 1991.
Expanded Vaccination Authority
To address the threat, Hochul issued an executive order expanding authority for healthcare personnel administering MMR vaccines.
Under the emergency order, registered nurses may order tests for suspected measles infections, while pharmacists are permitted to vaccinate children as young as age two.
The directive mandates reporting all MMR vaccinations to local registries within 72 hours and waives adult consent requirements for registration.
Inter-agency efforts have intensified in Pennsylvania to contain regional transmission and protect vulnerable groups.
The health departments of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, alongside the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said last month 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."
Healthcare leadership urged residents to review their immunity status as exposure risks remain elevated across affected communities.
Measles exposures are "a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations," wrote Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia Health Commissioner.
Local health officials instructed unimmunized individuals, pregnant women without immunity, infants, and immunocompromised people to contact healthcare providers following any known exposure.
"Some people may still be eligible for treatment after exposure that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness," wrote the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Officials cautioned that infected individuals displaying symptoms should notify healthcare facilities prior to arrival to limit exposure risks in medical settings.
"Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible measles exposure," wrote the health department.
Data indicates measles is a highly contagious viral illness that proves fatal in one to three cases per 1,000.
Severe complications include pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of infected individuals requiring hospitalization.
