New York declares state disaster emergency over rising measles cases. Here's what that means
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state disaster emergency following a surge in measles cases, particularly in under-immunized rural counties. The order expands the pool of professionals authorized to administer vaccines and allows for broader testing capabilities to contain the outbreak.
Why it matters
This emergency declaration highlights the ongoing public health challenge of vaccine-preventable diseases and the legal measures states may take to bolster immunization efforts during outbreaks.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Monday as neighboring Pennsylvania battles its largest measles outbreak in three decades.
As of Oct. 3, New York has recorded 108 measles cases so far this year, 92 of those since mid-July across 18 rural counties where communities are under-immunized, according to Hochul's order.
"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 in a statement . "No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease."
It marks the first time a state has issued an emergency order since measles cases began rising last year. At least 95% of measles cases in the U.S. have been among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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New York state declares measles disaster amid resurgence of disease in US - Al Jazeera
New York declares state disaster emergency over measles. Here's what that means
New York Declares State of Emergency Over Measles Outbreak - Bloomberg.com
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