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New York state has declared a state of emergency as measles cases continue to rise across the United States, with 108 cases reported in the state as of October 3.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the emergency on Monday, October 5, and it will remain in effect until November 4. The measures are intended to strengthen vaccination efforts and expand access to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Under the emergency order, registered nurses will be allowed to order tests for patients suspected of having measles. Pharmacists will also be authorized to administer MMR vaccines to children as young as two.
Of the 108 cases reported in New York, seven were in New York City, while 101 were reported elsewhere in the state. Ninety-two cases have been detected since July 15, with most infections occurring in 18 rural areas where vaccination rates are relatively low.
“No one should become seriously ill or die from a disease that can be prevented through vaccination,” Hochul said.
A major measles outbreak has also been reported in neighboring Pennsylvania. As of Monday, the state had recorded 1,004 cases, with 198 people hospitalized and five deaths. It is reportedly the largest measles outbreak in any U.S. state in more than three decades.
Measles has also spread in Texas, Utah, Ohio and South Carolina. Nearly 3,900 cases have been reported across the United States this year, making 2025 the country’s worst year for measles infections since 1991.
Health experts say declining vaccination rates are a major factor behind the resurgence. The United States declared measles eliminated from ongoing domestic transmission in 2000, but lower vaccination coverage in recent years has contributed to renewed outbreaks.
Officials from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are expected to meet in November to determine whether the United States and Mexico can retain their measles-free status. Source: Agencies.