Albany, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Monday as New York confronts a sharp rise in measles cases, particularly in underimmunized rural communities.
New York has confirmed 108 cases in 2026, including 101 outside New York City. Ninety-two cases have been reported in rural communities since July 15. The state recorded just one case in 2023, 15 in 2024 and 48 last year.
The emergency order expands the number of healthcare professionals authorized to administer measles vaccinations and allows additional providers to order diagnostic testing.
New York’s outbreak comes as neighboring Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 cases, with five deaths and 198 hospitalizations reported by state officials. Ohio is also experiencing increased transmission.
Nationally, the CDC reported 3,887 confirmed cases as of Oct. 1, making 2026 the worst year for measles since 1991. Federal data show kindergarten MMR vaccination coverage has fallen from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spent years promoting anti-vaccine claims before joining the Trump administration, has faced criticism over federal vaccine policy during the resurgence. Kennedy appeared at an anti-vaccine conference in September, while state officials continue emphasizing vaccination as the primary defense against measles.
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