New York Declares Measles Disaster Emergency as Cases Surge in 2026

• by Shimanta Das
• October 7, 2026

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Monday in response to a sharp rise in measles cases across rural parts of the state and neighboring areas. The emergency declaration immediately expands the pool of health professionals authorized to administer vaccines, allowing paramedics, advanced EMS providers, midwives, and pharmacists to give shots. This move aims to quickly boost vaccination rates and curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.

According to the CDC, the majority of measles cases in 2025 and 2026 have occurred in children and teens, and most infections are among unvaccinated individuals. In 2025, New York City reported 20 confirmed cases, while the rest of New York State had 28, totaling 48 cases. For confirmed cases in 2026, the state directs the public to its Measles Dashboard for updated figures. The surge has prompted health officials to urge everyone to ensure they have received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

Researchers emphasized the need for stronger immunization efforts. “Strengthening vaccination efforts, reducing exemption rates and interrupting ongoing local transmission will be essential to reverse this trajectory,” they wrote in a letter in May. The disaster emergency is a critical step toward that goal, as it allows more providers to administer vaccines and helps address gaps in access, particularly in rural communities.

Health officials continue to stress that vaccination is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and maintaining high vaccination coverage is key to preventing outbreaks. New Yorkers are encouraged to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. For the latest confirmed case counts, visit the New York State Measles Dashboard.