New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency over measles on Monday. Her order widens who can give the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to include paramedics, advanced EMS workers, pharmacists and midwives. It also lets nurses order measles tests. The order runs through Nov. 4.

"No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease," Hochul said.

The numbers are climbing in the countryside. As of Oct. 3, New York had 108 cases this year: seven in New York City and 101 in the rest of the state. Since July 15, 92 cases have turned up in under-vaccinated rural communities in 18 counties, the governor's office said. Local health departments have given more than 1,000 MMR doses in those areas.

Al Jazeera reports it is the first such state declaration since U.S. cases began rising in 2025. Pennsylvania's outbreak has passed 1,000 cases. DW reports nearly 200 people there have been hospitalized and five have died. The CDC counts 3,869 cases nationwide this year, the worst year since 1991.

The state says people exposed to measles who are not protected should stay in quarantine for 21 days. One dose of the vaccine gives about 93% protection, and two doses give about 97%, the state says.

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning it no longer spread here year-round. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera blamed misinformation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called vaccination a "personal choice," DW reports.

In November, the Pan American Health Organization will meet to decide whether the U.S. and Mexico keep their measles-free status.

New Yorkers can check local case counts on the state Health Department's measles dashboard. Anyone unsure of their vaccine status can ask a doctor or local health department.

What we know: The emergency adds vaccinators and testers through Nov. 4.
What we don't: Whether it slows the rural outbreak before winter.