New York declares first state of emergency since 2025 due to measles outbreak
New York Governor Kathy Hokul declared a state of emergency across the state on Monday, October 5, in connection with the measles outbreak, which was the first such outbreak.
New York Governor Kathy Hokul declared a state of emergency on Monday, October 5, in connection with the outbreak of measles, which was the first such case in the state since the increase in the incidence began in 2025.
The state has also increased the number of health workers allowed to vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella as the number of cases in rural communities rises.
“No one should be seriously ill or die from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Hokul said.
New York City has 108 measles cases so far this year as of October 3, including 92 cases since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities in 18 counties, well above the usual annual rate.
“Seven cases have been reported in New York and 101 in other parts of the state. Local health departments have given more than 1,000 doses of vaccination in rural areas since July 15, the governor's office said.
Neighboring Pennsylvania has also seen a rapidly spreading outbreak, with 977 cases and five deaths reported as of Oct. 2, mostly in rural counties bordering New York.
