New York declares measles emergency as cases rise across the region

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to measles cases in rural parts of the state and neighboring areas. The Hill reported 108 cases in New York as of Oct. 3, including seven in New York City. Pennsylvania’s outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases, according to MedPage Today, The Hill and The Guardian.

Reports differed on Pennsylvania’s case count: MedPage Today, The Hill and The Guardian reported 1,004 cases, 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, while Fox News reported 977 cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2. The Hill said 92 New York cases had been reported since July 15 in rural communities across 18 counties.

The emergency order, which The Hill said remains in effect through Nov. 4, expands the group of medical professionals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, pharmacists and midwives. It also allows nurses to order tests for suspected cases and requires MMR vaccinations to be reported to immunization registries within 72 hours.