New York is under a State Disaster Emergency as health officials respond to a growing New York measles outbreak that has reached more than 100 confirmed cases statewide in 2026.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued the emergency order Oct. 5, expanding the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test New Yorkers as officials work to slow transmission.

As of Oct. 3, New York had recorded 108 measles cases this year, including seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state. State officials said 92 cases had been reported since July 15 among under-immunized rural communities in 18 counties.

“After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease,” Hochul said.

What the measles emergency changes

The emergency declaration is intended to expand New York’s ability to vaccinate residents and diagnose cases. The order broadens the pool of professionals who can administer the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly called the MMR vaccine.

Under the emergency measures, additional providers — including paramedics, advanced emergency medical personnel, midwives and pharmacists — can play a larger role in vaccination efforts. Registered nurses also receive expanded authority related to measles testing. The order also requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours.

The emergency order took effect immediately and is scheduled to remain in force through Nov. 4 unless state action changes that timeline.

Why measles is a serious public-health concern

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because the virus can spread rapidly among people without immunity, public-health officials focus heavily on vaccination and quick identification of possible cases.

Typical symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash. Serious complications can occur, especially in young children, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.

People who believe they may have been exposed or who develop symptoms consistent with measles should contact a health care provider or local health department before arriving at a clinic or emergency room. Calling first can allow medical staff to take steps to reduce possible exposure to other patients.

More than 1,000 MMR doses administered in affected areas

New York officials say local health departments have administered more than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses in rural communities affected by the outbreak since mid-July.

The state has also launched a measles dashboard to provide updated information about reported cases. The emergency response comes as measles activity has increased nationally and in neighboring states.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said. She said the emergency steps are meant to increase the number of health professionals available to vaccinate and test residents while supporting local health departments.

What families should do now

New Yorkers do not need to panic, but health officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status and take possible exposures seriously.

• Review vaccination records for children and adults in the household.
• Contact a health care provider if you are unsure whether you or your child is protected.
• Follow New York State and local health department advisories about confirmed exposures.
• If symptoms develop after a possible exposure, call ahead before visiting a medical facility.
• Do not rely on social-media claims about outbreaks, treatments or vaccines; use public-health and medical sources.

What the MMR vaccine does

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Public-health authorities recommend vaccination as the primary way to prevent measles and limit outbreaks. Individual medical circumstances can vary, so people with questions about whether vaccination is appropriate for them should speak with a qualified health care professional.

The emergency order expands access to vaccination; it does not eliminate the requirement for patient or guardian consent to receive a vaccine.

Why the statewide declaration matters in the Mohawk Valley

A statewide emergency does not mean every New York community is experiencing the same level of measles activity. Case counts and exposure risks can differ significantly from county to county.

For residents of Utica, Rome, Oneida County and the wider Mohawk Valley, the practical message is to monitor official local and state health guidance, confirm vaccination records and respond quickly if a health department announces an exposure involving a school, business, health facility or public gathering.

Parents should also pay close attention to notices from schools and child-care providers. Measles can spread quickly in settings where many people gather, particularly when vaccination coverage is low.

Emergency declarations can expand response capacity

A disaster declaration is a public-health tool that allows the state to temporarily change certain rules so officials can respond more quickly. In this case, the focus is on increasing access to vaccination and testing and improving reporting of vaccinations.

The declaration should not be read as evidence that every New Yorker has been exposed. Rather, it reflects the state’s assessment that the outbreak requires additional response capacity.

Where to get reliable information

New Yorkers can follow the New York State Department of Health for current measles information and the state measles dashboard for reported case data. Local county health departments can provide information about community exposures, vaccination clinics and local guidance.

Because outbreak numbers can change quickly, readers should check current official data rather than relying on older case counts shared online.

New York’s emergency response will continue as state and local officials track infections, expand access to MMR vaccination and work to limit further spread. Families can help by checking immunization records, following exposure notices and contacting medical professionals when they have questions about symptoms or vaccination.

Source: Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York State Department of Health, and contemporaneous reporting on the Oct. 5, 2026 emergency declaration.