New York declares measles disaster emergency as US outbreak spreads
· Health · United States
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency over a measles outbreak spreading through under-immunised rural communities, with 108 cases reported this year. It is the first such declaration by a US state since cases began surging in 2025. The order expands who can administer MMR vaccines. Neighbouring Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 cases, its largest state outbreak in more than three decades, and neighbouring states report hundreds more, with over 3,800 cases recorded nationwide. The US had largely eliminated measles by 2000 but has seen outbreaks amid declining vaccination rates.
Why it matters：A resurgent, preventable disease across US states signals eroding herd immunity and could revive debates over vaccination mandates.
Key points
- New York declared a disaster emergency with 108 measles cases this year.
- Pennsylvania surpassed 1,000 cases, its worst outbreak in over three decades.
- Over 3,800 cases have been recorded across the US.
Sources (original reporting)
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