New York State declares state of emergency due to measles outbreak, expands vaccination coverage

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that this year's measles epidemic is the worst since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases nationwide. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on the 5th due to the measles epidemic, expanding the scope of medical staff who can vaccinate the public. This is the first time a state has entered a state of emergency since measles cases began to surge in 2025.

According to "Reuters", as of October 3, New York State has reported 108 measles cases this year, 7 cases are in New York City, and the remaining 101 cases are elsewhere in the state, and 92 cases occurred after July 15, all in rural areas with low vaccination rates.

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The governor's office pointed out that since July 15, health units have administered more than 1,000 doses of measles-mumps vaccine (MMR) to people in rural areas. Hou Ke emphasized that no one should become seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease.

The epidemic in neighboring Pennsylvania is also quite serious. As of October 2, there were 977 cases and 5 deaths. On the 5th, more than 1,000 cases were reported, mainly concentrated in rural counties bordering New York State.

The emergency order issued by Hou Ke allows nurses to order tests for suspected measles patients, and opens pharmacists to vaccinate children over 2 years old. Of course, vaccination must still obtain the consent of the patient or guardian. The state of emergency will last from the 5th to November 4th.