New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to an “ongoing measles outbreak.”

“Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order today declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states. The Executive Order enables the State to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed,” a press release from Hochul’s office stated.

“The Governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year’s flu vaccine to protect against infection. The Governor is committed to putting New Yorkers’ health and safety first and has directed the New York State Department of Health to share frequent public notifications and resources throughout this flu season,” it continued.

NBC News shared further:

New York has reported 108 measles cases this year through October 3, including 92 since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties, well above typical annual levels, according to the executive order.

Seven of the cases are in New York City and 101 are elsewhere in the state, the governor’s office said. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 MMR doses in rural areas since July 15.

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Neighboring Pennsylvania is battling a fast-spreading outbreak, with 977 cases and five deaths as of October 2, mostly in rural counties that border New York, the order said.

Pennsylvania health officials said on Monday the state’s total had passed 1,000 cases, making it the largest state outbreak in more than three decades.

“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.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease,” she added.

“I appreciate Governor Hochul’s swift action to help address ongoing measles cases. Department staff are working closely with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the current measles outbreak. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. I urge New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and make sure that they and their families are protected. I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat any measles cases they encounter,” New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.

“NY Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a public health state of emergency yesterday over 108 measles cases in a state of 19 million. There have been no deaths and no hospitalizations announced,” Autism Action Network stated.

“Hochul suspended ten laws, mostly concerning purchasing procedures, and broadening who and when measles shots can be given, as well as suspending the requirement for the consent of an adult patient before a record of the shot is put in the state immunization database. The emergency order expires that day after the midterm election,” it continued.

“Autism increases by 3-4,000 per year and has for 30 years but NY does not even keep thorough records much less declared a state of emergency. Priorities,” it added.

The Hill has more:

Paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives are among those newly authorized to administer vaccines in addition to physicians.

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The newly expanded eligible pool allows those individuals to administer the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to children as young as two-years-old.

The rate of infection also requires providers to report MMR vaccinations to immunization registries within 72 hours.

 

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