New York is taking new steps to respond to an ongoing measles outbreak, with Governor Kathy Hochul declaring a state disaster emergency on October 5 as cases continue to rise across parts of the state and neighboring areas.
The executive order is designed to help the state respond more quickly by expanding who can administer measles vaccines and giving nurses additional flexibility to order testing. Paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists, and midwives can now administer measles vaccines, while nurses can order measles testing under the emergency measures.
Measles Cases by the Numbers
The declaration comes as New York has recorded 108 confirmed measles cases so far this year, according to the New York State Department of Health. As of October 3, there were seven cases in New York City and 101 cases elsewhere in the state. Since July 15 alone, 92 cases have been reported among under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties.
How New York is Responding
State health officials are continuing to work with local health departments and healthcare providers on case investigations, contact tracing, testing, vaccination and community outreach. More than 1,000 MMR vaccine doses have been administered across rural areas of New York since July 15 as officials work to contain the outbreak.
For New Yorkers, the state says the most important step is to make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination and to pay attention to health advisories, particularly when traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
Measles is a severe respiratory disease caused by a virus. Initial symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) following infection:
- Early Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
- The Signature Rash: Appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin. It starts as flat red spots at the hairline on the face and spreads downward across the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may appear on top of the spots, and the rash can merge together as it covers the body.
- High Fever Spikes: Body temperature may spike above 104°F when the rash emerges.
- Severe Complications: Hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling (encephalitis), “immune amnesia,” and death. A rare, fatal long-term complication known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can cause severe brain damage years after an initial infection.
How Can New Yorkers Protect Themselves?
- Verify Vaccination Records: Confirm that you and your family members have received the recommended MMR vaccine doses through a primary care provider or local health department.
- Call Ahead Before Medical Visits: If you suspect you or a family member has measles, call your clinic, urgent care, or emergency department before arriving so staff can implement infection-control precautions.
- Public Health Emergency Warning:
“The concerning rise in measles cases is due to a decrease in childhood vaccines driven by misinformation and is causing a public health emergency… Help keep fellow New Yorkers safe and get your shots!” — State Senator Gustavo Rivera
What Should You Do if You Think You Were Exposed to Measles?
If you suspect you have been exposed to someone with measles or are contacted by public health contact tracers:
- Quarantine Requirements: Individuals exposed to measles should quarantine at home for 21 days following their exposure date.
- Isolation Guidelines: Anyone who tests positive for measles must isolate until 4 full days after their rash appears.
- Cooperate with Contact Tracers: Health officials urge all residents to respond promptly if contacted by public health teams during contact tracing investigations to prevent further community transmission.
🌐 For more information, see the official order.
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