New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a significant increase in measles cases across the state. The emergency declaration was issued in response to a "growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states," including Pennsylvania.
The declaration aims to strengthen efforts against the disease by expanding the pool of individuals authorised to administer measles vaccines and order testing. So far this year, New York has recorded 108 confirmed measles cases, a substantial rise from just one reported case in 2023. In 2024, there were 15 cases, and 48 in 2025.
Pennsylvania, a neighbouring state, has experienced a deadly outbreak, its largest in over three decades, with five deaths and 198 hospitalisations. The US overall is experiencing its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported.