File Photo - A nurse, prepares a combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for a patient
New York state has declared a disaster emergency over a rise in measles cases, as the disease continues to spread across parts of the United States. Governor Kathy Hochul said the emergency declaration would expand the pool of health professionals who can administer measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and allow more healthcare workers to order testing. The declaration will remain in effect through November 4.
108 cases reported in New York
New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year as of October 3, including seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state. Hochul said 92 of the cases recorded since July 15 were in under-immunised rural communities across 18 counties. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses across rural parts of the state since July 15, according to the state health department. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said, adding that the emergency measures would help increase access to vaccination and testing. The executive order allows paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwies to administer measles vaccines. Nurses will also be allowed to order testing.
US measles cases continue to climb
The emergency declaration comes as measles cases rise across the US. Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,000 cases this year, while outbreaks have also been recorded in Texas, Utah, Ohio and South Carolina. Health experts have linked the resurgence to vaccination rates falling below the 95% level considered necessary to prevent outbreaks. The US had eliminated domestic transmission of measles in 2000. The last outbreak involving more than 1,000 cases occurred over several years in New York City in the early 1990s. International health officials are due to meet in November to determine whether the US and Mexico will retain their measles-free status. The Pan American Health Organisation has stressed the need for high and consistent vaccination coverage, stronger disease surveillance and a rapid response to outbreaks.
State expands vaccination efforts
New York's health department said it was working with local authorities to track cases, conduct contact tracing and speed up laboratory testing. The state has also launched a measles dashboard to help residents and healthcare officials track local risks. The health department urged New Yorkers to check their MMR vaccination status, particularly before travelling to areas experiencing outbreaks. It said one MMR dose provides 93% protection against measles, while two doses provide 97% protection. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling and death. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The state health department urged people who develop symptoms to contact healthcare providers before visiting a clinic or hospital so that infection-control measures can be taken.
