NY declares emergency over measles outbreak

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide disaster emergency over a measles outbreak, as the state recorded 108 cases this year and neighbouring Pennsylvania reported its largest outbreak in more than three decades.

As of October 3, New York had recorded 108 measles cases, including 92 since July 15 across 18 rural counties, according to the governor’s executive order.

The emergency order, effective through November 4, expands the pool of healthcare professionals authorised to administer measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles cases.

Pharmacists can also vaccinate children aged two and above under the order, while MMR vaccinations must be reported to state or New York City immunisation registries within 72 hours. Vaccination itself still requires consent from the patient or a legal guardian.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,000 measles cases, including five deaths and nearly 200 hospitalisations, making it the largest state outbreak in more than 30 years.