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<\/p>\nNEW YORK (WABC) — Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an executive order on Monday declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states.<\/p>\n
As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of of the city, for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.<\/p>\n
Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties.<\/p>\n
Since then, local health departments have administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State.<\/p>\n
The executive order signed on Monday expands the network of vaccine administrators to add paramedics, advanced EMS, midwives and pharmacists.<\/p>\n
“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,” Governor 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.”<\/p>\n
The governor received her flu shot on Monday and is urging all New Yorkers to do the same.<\/p>\n
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in New York.<\/p>\n
AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura<\/p>\n
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