108 Cases Reported Across the State as Health Officials Expand Vaccination and Testing Efforts
Sadia J. Choudhury
— New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to a growing measles outbreak across the state, as health officials work to contain a sharp rise in cases, particularly in under-immunized rural communities.
As of October 3, New York has reported 108 confirmed measles cases in 2026, including seven cases in New York City and 101 cases elsewhere in the state. Since July 15 alone, 92 cases have been reported in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties.
The emergency declaration is designed to accelerate the state’s response by expanding the number of healthcare professionals who can administer measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and order testing for suspected cases.
VACCINATION ACCESS EXPANDED
Under the emergency measures, additional healthcare professionals—including pharmacists, paramedics, advanced emergency medical personnel and midwives—can administer MMR vaccines under expanded state authority. Registered nurses can also order measles testing.
Local health departments have already administered more than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses in rural communities since July 15 as part of efforts to slow transmission.
The emergency order also requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. Vaccination itself still requires consent from the patient or a parent or legal guardian, as applicable.
NEW YORK CITY CASES REMAIN LOWER—BUT HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE VIGILANCE
Although the majority of New York’s cases are outside New York City, city health officials are urging residents to make sure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccination.
New York City had recorded seven confirmed measles cases as of October 2. Health officials note that measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities where vaccination coverage is low.
PENNSYLVANIA OUTBREAK ADDS TO REGIONAL CONCERN
The situation in neighboring Pennsylvania has heightened concern across the region. Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases, with five deaths and nearly 200 hospitalizations reported amid an outbreak described as the state’s largest in more than three decades.
New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio have all experienced significant increases in measles cases, with outbreaks particularly affecting communities where vaccination rates are below the level needed to prevent sustained transmission.
WORST U.S. MEASLES YEAR IN DECADES
The resurgence is part of a broader national outbreak. Nearly 3,900 measles cases have been reported across the United States in 2026, making this the worst year for measles in the country since 1991, according to federal health data.
Public health experts emphasize that measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Health officials generally identify approximately 95% vaccination coverage as the level needed in a community to maintain strong protection against outbreaks.
GOVERNOR URGES NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Governor Hochul said the emergency measures are intended to strengthen the state’s ability to vaccinate residents, test suspected cases and respond quickly to new infections.
The emergency declaration took effect Monday and is scheduled to remain in place through November 4, unless modified or extended.
For New Yorkers, health officials are urging families—particularly those with children—to review their vaccination records and consult their healthcare providers if they are unsure whether they are protected against measles.
The message from public health officials is clear: vaccination remains the primary tool for preventing measles transmission and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
