Kathy Hochul declares emergency in New York following measles outbreak

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Tuesday due to a growing measles outbreak that has sickened more than 100 people across the state this year. UPI, Forbes, The Daily Orange, and NBC 4 New York all reported the emergency declaration. [1][3][6][7]

UPI reported that as of Saturday, health officials confirmed seven measles cases in New York City and 101 cases across the rest of the state. Since July 15, 92 cases were recorded among under-immunized, rural communities spanning 18 counties. [1]

To address the spread, Governor Hochul signed an executive order to expand who can administer measles vaccines. According to UPI, the order allows paramedics, advanced emergency medical services staff, midwives, and pharmacists to give the vaccines. [1]

The emergency response in New York comes as nearby states also combat rising infections. As FTMQ News reported earlier, neighboring Pennsylvania recorded nearly 1,000 measles cases across 39 counties earlier in 2026. [9]