<p>Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has declared a statewide disaster emergency in New York in response to the recent surge in measles cases.</p>
<p>This declaration is the first of its kind since the increase in measles cases began in 2025.</p>
<p>“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul stated in a press release on Monday. “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.”</p>
<p>As of this year, New York has reported at least 108 confirmed measles cases, with approximately half of these cases occurring in three rural counties. Seven cases have been reported in New York City.</p>
<p>The emergency declaration coincides with a national resurgence of measles, a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can be prevented through vaccination.</p>
<p>The governor has received her seasonal flu shot and encouraged all New Yorkers to do the same.</p>
<p>Other states experiencing a significant increase in measles cases include Utah, Ohio, Arizona, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, where over 1,000 cases have been reported, resulting in five deaths.</p>
<p>According to the New York State Department of Health, there have been no measles-related deaths reported in New York so far.</p>