New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to a rapidly spreading measles epidemic. This is the first time a US state has taken such a step amid a historic surge in infections observed in 2025; rising cases in unvaccinated rural communities are causing concern among officials.
elchi reports that according to the newly issued executive order, a total of 108 measles cases have been confirmed in New York State this year (as of October 3). Of these cases, 92 were recorded after July 15 – in rural settlements in 18 different regions with low vaccination rates, indicating a rapid spread of the epidemic.
The Governor’s office stated that seven of the infections were recorded in New York City and 101 in other parts of the state. According to data, local health departments have administered over 1,000 measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines in rural areas since July.
In response to the rapid increase in cases in rural communities, the state leadership has expanded the scope of medical personnel authorized to administer vaccines.
Under the emergency powers, which took effect on Monday and will remain in force until November 4, registered nurses have been authorized to order tests for patients suspected of having measles, and pharmacists can administer vaccines to children aged two and older. Additionally, all MMR vaccinations must be reported to the state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours without requiring explicit consent from adult patients. However, patient or legal guardian consent is still required for the administration of the vaccine itself.
According to federal data, measles, which was declared eradicated in the US in 2000, was limited to an average of only 180 cases annually nationwide in the subsequent twenty-five years. However, the disease resurged alarmingly in 2025. Following an epidemic last year in West Texas with at least 762 cases, the subsequent epidemic in South Carolina, which ended in April, saw the number of infected individuals reach one thousand.
While the situation in New York has not yet reached widespread epidemic levels, the situation in neighboring Pennsylvania is more severe.
The Pennsylvania epidemic, primarily affecting rural areas along the New York border, has seen the number of cases exceed one thousand, and as of October 2, five people have died. Pennsylvania health officials emphasized that this is the largest epidemic observed in any state in over 30 years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US is experiencing its worst year for measles since 1991; approximately 3,900 cases have been reported nationwide so far.
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New York Declares Statewide State of Emergency
