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Hochul declares state of emergency over measles outbreak

Hochul declares state of emergency over measles outbreak

September 18, 2026 — Mineola, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks at Mineola Community Center Improvements Event. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul) Photo: Saga Communications


ALBANY, NY (607NewsNow) — Gov. Kathy Hochul is declaring a disaster emergency.

The statewide outbreak of measles has resulted in dozens of positive cases in rural areas, including in the Southern Tier.

“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.”

New York has over 100 positive cases. Among counties with the most cases are Steuben and Seneca. Recently, the Department of Health published a dashboard with measles data.

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