New York Declares First US Measles Disaster Emergency

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State has declared a disaster emergency across the state in relation with the increasing measles cases in the New York State from October 5th 2026. It is stated by the New York State Department of Health that the emergency has resulted due to increasing case numbers and includes actions to increase the healthcare workers who can assist in administering vaccines and tests. The disaster emergency will continue until November 4, 2026.

Measles Cases Are On the Rise in New York

The number of measles cases reported in New York through October 3, 2026, is 108 as per the executive order mentioned in the provided report. Among those cases, 101 cases were not from New York City and seven from New York City.

The state reported 92 cases since July 15 in 18 counties where most of the increase in the cases has taken place in rural areas which are termed as under-immunized. More than 1,000 MMR vaccines have been administered in rural areas since July 15 by local health departments.

The trend of increase in measles activity in the country is observed.

Measles Vaccine Expansion In New York

The emergency order broadens the list of health care professionals who will be involved in fighting the disease.

According to the order,

Registered nurses can order testing for patients with symptoms of measles.
Pharmacists can vaccinate against measles using the MMR vaccine for kids aged two years old.
MMR vaccines need to be reported to the appropriate authorities within 72 hours.
Reporting does not require additional consent in case of an adult patient.
Vaccination process requires patient consent.

It is supposed to increase the availability of vaccinations.

Historically High US Measles Cases

This NY emergency follows a huge rise in the number of measles cases across the United States. The CDC reports 3,471 US measles cases in 2026 according to the present data, which is still preliminary and subject to change.

The CDC has recorded 2,289 measles cases in 2025 compared to 285 cases in 2024 and 59 cases in 2023. The number in 2026 is already higher than the number of cases recorded in an average year since the elimination of the disease.

The report presented here indicates the number of cases at almost 3,900 throughout the country, but this is according to a different position in terms of reporting. Therefore, the exact number of cases will depend on the reporting time and update of the surveillance.

Reasons Why the Elimination Status in 2000 Is Important

Measles is considered to be eliminated in the U.S. as of the year 2000. In terms of public health science, it means that there is no evidence of endemic transmission of the disease for at least one year in a certain geographical location that has an efficient surveillance system.

It does not imply that there cannot be any more measles cases. There can be cases when imported cases of the disease come into the country via international travelers.

MMR Vaccine and Measles Prevention

“MMR vaccine refers to three diseases – measles, mumps and rubella. MMR vaccine is the primary vaccine used to protect people against measles in the United States.”

According to the CDC, “the recommended two doses of MMR vaccine are routinely recommended and usually given to children at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. The second dose protects those children who might not have had an adequate response to the first dose of vaccine.”

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Children fall under the category of people who are more susceptible to measles complications.