New York Governor Kathy Hochul declares state of emergency over measles outbreak in United States

On October 5, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency over a measles outbreak, the first such declaration by a U.S. state since cases began surging in 2025. The order allows faster testing and vaccination, and expands who can administer MMR vaccines. New York has reported 108 cases this year, with most in rural communities. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles year since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases, and neighboring Pennsylvania has over 1,000 cases and five deaths.