New York declares State Disaster Emergency over growing measles outbreak

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State Disaster Emergency over a growing measles outbreak, as cases continue to rise across the state.

State officials said 108 measles cases had been reported through October 3, including 92 cases since mid-July across 18 counties, many of them in under-immunized rural communities.

The emergency declaration expands the state’s ability to respond to the outbreak and gives health officials additional flexibility to increase vaccination, testing and reporting.

As part of the emergency measures, New York has also temporarily suspended the requirement for individual consent before vaccinations given to adults aged 19 and older are reported to the state immunization registry.

The change applies to the reporting of vaccination records, not to consent for vaccination itself. Adults still must consent before receiving a vaccine.

New York health officials are urging residents to check whether they are fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, which remains the main protection against measles.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

The state has also expanded public monitoring of the outbreak and is urging anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.

The emergency declaration comes as New York works to contain the outbreak and prevent further