Governor Kathy Hochul declares New York state of disaster emergency

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on the 5th, declaring a state of disaster emergency across New York to address a surge in measles cases. This marks the first time a U.S. state has issued such a declaration in response to the disease since the current national wave began, according to reporting by the JoongAng Ilbo.

Measles Outbreak Statistics in New York

Health officials in New York have documented 108 confirmed cases of measles since the start of the year, with the most recent data recorded on the 3rd. Of those cases, 92 have occurred since July 15, primarily concentrated within 18 counties that exhibit lower vaccination rates, particularly in rural areas.

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that no one should suffer seriously or die from a disease that can be prevented by a vaccine.

New Rules Expand Measles Testing and Vaccine Authority

The emergency declaration grants state health officials broader authority to manage the outbreak through the 4th of next month. Registered nurses are now permitted to order measles testing for suspected cases. The order also expands the pool of medical professionals authorized to administer vaccines, including pharmacists and emergency medical services personnel.

Under the new rules, pharmacists are authorized to administer the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to children as young as two years old. All MMR vaccination records must be reported to the New York state or New York City immunization registry within 72 hours of administration.

Pennsylvania Reports Largest State Surge in 30 Years

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 3,887 confirmed measles cases reported nationwide as of the 1st. This figure marks the highest number of reported cases in the United States since 1991.