New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency on October 5, 2026. The declaration expands vaccine administration authority during a surge in measles cases across the state.

The executive order expands the ability of health professionals, including paramedics, advanced emergency medical services providers, pharmacists, and midwives, to administer measles vaccines. The executive order allows nurses to order measles testing. The executive order requires all MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours.

The executive order waives adult consent for reporting MMR vaccinations to immunization registries. Vaccination still requires the consent of the patient or a legal guardian.

"After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York state, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease," Hochul said. "No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease."

"That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test," she added. "These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease."

New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald emphasized the role of immunization. "The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses," McDonald said. "I urge New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and make sure that they and their families are protected." He also asked providers to remain vigilant. "I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat any measles cases they encounter," he said.

The disaster emergency declaration remains in effect through November 4, 2026. The United States reported 3,887 total measles cases in 2026 as of early October. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented that measles outbreaks in the U.S. have increased since 2019. Measles outbreaks have been recorded in Texas, Utah, Ohio, and South Carolina.

The MMR vaccine is considered highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against measles, according to reports. Health experts state that a 95 percent vaccination rate is necessary to prevent measles outbreaks. Primary source: cdc.gov

Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after infection, but can take up to 21 days to develop. Early measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A measles rash typically develops three to five days after symptoms begin.

Measles fever can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit when a rash appears. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. People who received a measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967 may have received a less effective dose and should consult a physician about revaccination.

Why It Matters

The Pan American Health Organization will meet in November 2026 to determine whether the United States and Mexico retain their measles-free status. "PAHO reiterates the importance of maintaining high and homogeneous vaccination coverage, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring timely outbreak response, as essential pillars to halt transmission and sustain measles elimination in the countries of the Americas," the organization stated.

Timeline

The United States eliminated domestic spread of measles by 2000. In 2025, 93 percent of measles patients in the United States were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. New York recorded 48 measles cases statewide in 2025.

Ninety-two measles cases have been reported in New York since July 15, 2026. The 92 measles cases reported since July 15 occurred in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties in New York. Local health departments in New York administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine in rural areas since July 15, 2026.

What's New

"After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York state, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease." "The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses." "I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat any measles cases they encounter." The New York State Department of Health launched a Measles Dashboard in 2026 to track local health risks, enabling real-time monitoring of outbreaks and vaccination efforts, as part of its expanded response to the crisis.