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[HEALTH] · United States · 100 sources

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New York declares state of emergency as US measles cases hit 3,900

The United States is experiencing its most significant measles outbreak since 1991, with nearly 3,900 reported cases in 2026. The surge is largely attributed to vaccination rates falling below the 95 percent threshold necessary for herd immunity.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency to combat rising cases, particularly in rural areas. As of October 3, the state recorded 108 cases, with seven in New York City and 101 in the rest of the state. The emergency order, effective through November 4, expands the authority of healthcare providers to administer the MMR vaccine to include paramedics, pharmacists, and midwives, and allows nurses to order diagnostic testing.

Pennsylvania is facing a severe outbreak, surpassing 1,000 cases in 2026, the state's largest in over three decades. The outbreak has resulted in 198 hospitalizations and five deaths. Lancaster County has been identified as the epicenter with 391 cases. Health officials note that the majority of cases are occurring in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Entities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Kathy Hochul · Lancaster County · New York · New York State · New York State Department of Health · Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Department of Health · Robert F. Kennedy Jr. · Wisconsin · Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

New Yorkissa hätätila [www.iltalehti.fi]