New York Declares Statewide Disaster Emergency for Measles Outbreak; New Jersey Issues Alert

New York has declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to ongoing measles transmission, particularly in under-immunized rural communities. The state has reported 108 measles cases in 2026, with 92 cases since July 15 across 18 counties. The emergency order expands the types of healthcare professionals who can administer MMR vaccines and increases flexibility for testing. Separately, the New Jersey Department of Health has issued a measles alert following three confirmed cases in unvaccinated individuals in Bergen County, urging residents to monitor for symptoms and verify vaccination status.