New York Declares State Disaster Emergency Over Measles Outbreak
ALBANY — Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on October 5 declaring a State Disaster Emergency across New York in response to the growing number of measles cases. The order enables the state to respond more swiftly and allows additional healthcare professionals to vaccinate and test residents.
The governor's office said cases are concentrated in rural areas of New York and neighboring states. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine remains the best protection, urging New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and asking providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat measles cases.
"No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease," Hochul said in a statement. She also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The Health Department will share frequent public notifications and resources throughout flu season.
Separately, landmarks across the state were illuminated pink on the evening of October 2 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. New data shows about 82% of New York women ages 50-74 are up to date with breast cancer screening recommendations, surpassing the national goal for the second year in a row.
Sources: Office of the New York Governor; Sun Community News
The disaster emergency runs from October 5 through November 4, 2026; as of October 3, New York State had reported 108 measles cases.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：儿童接种麻疹疫苗（资料图）。摄影：CDC Global，CC BY 2.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
