New York Governor Hochul declares a state of emergency over the ongoing measles outbreak.

NEW YORK (WABC)– Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order Monday declaring a state of disaster emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases in rural New York and neighboring states.

As of October 3, there were seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside the city, for a total of 108 cases this year, amid a global and national increase in measles cases.

Since July 15, 92 cases have been reported in underimmunized rural communities across 18 counties.

Since then, local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine in rural areas of New York State.

The decree signed Monday expands the network of vaccine administrators to add paramedics, advanced EMS, midwives and pharmacists.

“After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a state of disaster emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to address this disease,” said Governor Hochul. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That’s why I’ve taken action to increase the number of health care professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to combat the spread of this disease.”

The governor received her flu shot on Monday and is urging all New Yorkers to do the same.

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