Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Tuesday in response to a growing number of measles cases in rural areas of New York and neighboring states.
The executive order is intended to allow the state to respond more quickly to the outbreak and expand access to measles vaccinations and testing.
The order expands the pool of health care professionals who can administer measles, mumps and rubella vaccines to include paramedics, advanced emergency medical services providers, pharmacists and midwives. It also allows nurses, in addition to physicians, to order measles testing.
“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 news release. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease.”
Hochul also said she received her seasonal flu vaccine on Oct. 6 and urged New Yorkers to get their flu shots. She directed the state’s Department of Health to provide regular public notifications and resources throughout the flu season.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the department is working with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain measles cases.
“The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses,” McDonald said the release. e urged New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and health care providers to be prepared to identify and treat measles cases.
As of Oct. 3, New York had recorded 108 confirmed measles cases this year, including seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state. Since July 15, 92 cases have been reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine in rural areas since then.
The state's response includes clinical education and guidance for health care providers, epidemiological support for case investigations and contact tracing, expedited laboratory testing, vaccine distribution and community outreach. The Department of Health also is providing data analysis and culturally appropriate immunization education to local health departments.
New York launched a measles dashboard that allows residents and health care officials to track local health risks and monitor the spread of the disease.
Health officials are continuing monitoring and investigation efforts, including contact tracing, to help prevent additional infections.
Residents contacted by public health officials are encouraged to respond so officials can provide information and take steps to limit the spread of the disease.
State officials urged New Yorkers to make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations and to pay attention to health advisories, particularly when traveling with unvaccinated people, including young children.
Infants between 6 and 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine before international travel or if they otherwise face an increased risk of exposure, according to health officials.
The state’s dedicated measles website is Health.NY.GOV/diseases/communicable/measles
