New York Declares State Disaster Emergency in Response to Measles Outbreak
Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing measles outbreak in New York State. As of October 3, 108 confirmed measles cases have been reported statewide in 2026, including seven cases in New York City and 101 cases throughout the rest of the state.
The Executive Order, which took effect October 5, temporarily expands access to measles vaccination and testing as New York responds to the outbreak.
What Nurses Should Know
The Executive Order includes several provisions that directly affect health care professionals in New York.
Registered nurses are temporarily permitted to order the collection and testing of throat and nasopharyngeal swab specimens and urine specimens from individuals suspected of having measles. Physicians and certified nurse practitioners may also issue non-patient specific regimens allowing nurses to conduct this testing.
The order also expands the health professionals who may administer the MMR vaccine under specified conditions to include certified paramedics, advanced EMS providers, midwives and pharmacists.
Health care providers administering MMR vaccines to individuals age 19 and older are required to obtain consent and report the vaccination to the appropriate state immunization registry within 72 hours.
The Executive Order is scheduled to remain in effect through November 4, 2026, unless extended.
Let’s Get Immunized NY Responds
Let’s Get Immunized NY issued a statement following the emergency declaration, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and expanded access to vaccines and testing as New York responds to the increase in measles cases.
The coalition noted that declining vaccination rates have contributed to the return of measles and encouraged New Yorkers to recognize vaccination as an important tool for protection against preventable diseases.
Measles Resources
The New York State Department of Health provides current information about measles, including case data, symptoms, vaccination guidance and resources for health care providers.