Curie Brief
Turn on cookies to sign in
Signing in saves your progress to your Curie account. We can only do that with cookies on — turn them on to continue.
News
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency over a measles outbreak — the first such declaration by any U.S. state since cases began surging in 2025. With 108 cases statewide and a neighboring Pennsylvania outbreak topping 1,000 cases, the U.S. is now experiencing its worst measles year since 1991. The order expands who can administer MMR vaccines and tightens reporting requirements.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide measles disaster emergency on Monday — the first of its kind in the U.S. since the 2025 surge began. The declaration targets a fast-growing outbreak concentrated in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties, where 92 of the state's 108 cases have emerged since mid-July. Local health departments have already administered over 1,000 MMR doses in those areas.
The emergency order expands the healthcare workforce authorized to fight the outbreak: registered nurses can now order tests for suspected measles, and pharmacists can vaccinate children as young as two. All MMR vaccinations must be reported to state or NYC immunization registries within 72 hours, with adult consent for reporting waived. The order runs through November 4.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: This declaration signals that measles — once considered eliminated in the U.S. — is staging a serious comeback in under-vaccinated communities. Expanding who can give vaccines and streamlining reporting are critical tools to contain the spread before it reaches more densely populated areas.
