"Wasn't It Supposed to Be Gone? Alarming Surge in Cases Leads US to Declare Disaster Emergency"

Nearly 3,900 Confirmed Measles Cases in the U.S.

108 Cases in New York State This Year... State of Emergency Declared

Resurgence Driven by Vaccine Distrust and Declining Immunization Rates

Measles, once considered all but eradicated, is spreading again in the United States, putting public health authorities on alert. As of this year, the number of confirmed measles cases across the United States has exceeded 3,800, prompting the State of New York to declare a statewide disaster emergency. Experts analyze that the United States, which declared measles eliminated in 2000 thanks to high vaccination rates, is now facing a large-scale outbreak again as vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization rates have intensified since the pandemic.

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Statewide Emergency in New York... Expanded Medical Response

According to foreign media such as The New York Times on October 6, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of disaster emergency across the state in response to the spread of measles. This is the first emergency declaration at the state government level since the measles outbreak began in earnest in the United States in 2025.

In an official statement, Governor Hochul emphasized, "No one should become seriously ill or die from a disease that can be prevented by vaccination," adding, "This emergency action aims to protect the people of New York and support local communities working to prevent further spread of the disease."

The emergency declaration in New York will remain in effect until November 4. Under the executive order, the range of healthcare professionals able to participate in measles testing and vaccination has been expanded. Registered Nurses (RNs) are allowed to order tests for suspected measles patients, and pharmacists, paramedics, and midwives are also now permitted to administer vaccines. Notably, pharmacists can now administer the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children aged two and older.

On the 5th (local time), Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, declared a state of emergency across the entire state. Photo by AP Yonhap News

All records of MMR vaccination must be entered into the New York State or New York City Immunization Registry within 72 hours of administration. This measure aims to quickly assess the vaccination status while also helping to contain the spread of infection.

Outbreaks Centered in Rural Areas with Low Vaccination Rates... 108 Cases in New York State

As of October 3, New York State has reported a cumulative total of 108 confirmed measles cases this year. Of these, seven cases occurred in New York City, and the majority of confirmed cases have been concentrated since mid-July.

Since July 15 alone, an additional 92 cases have been confirmed across 18 counties. These regions are predominantly rural areas with low vaccination rates, and the generally low levels of immunity are believed to have contributed to the collective spread of infection.

In some locations, vaccination coverage is at an alarming level. In certain counties in New York State with high measles incidence, the proportion of children who had received their first vaccine dose by age two failed to reach 80%. In Yates County, known for its low population density, the rate was as low as 53%, and the county has reported three confirmed measles cases so far this year.

Although the total number of confirmed cases in New York State is much lower than Pennsylvania, state authorities are believed to have declared a state of emergency out of necessity to curb the rapidly spreading measles outbreaks in areas bordering the state at an early stage.

1,004 Cases in Pennsylvania... Cluster Outbreak Among Vaccine-Hesitant Christian Communities

The situation in Pennsylvania, which borders New York State, is even more severe. On October 5, Pennsylvania health authorities announced the cumulative number of confirmed measles cases in the state this year had reached 1,004—marking the largest single-state measles outbreak in roughly three decades. In the past week alone, 106 new cases have been confirmed.

The hardest-hit area is Lancaster County, which has recorded 391 cases to date. It is known that this area is home to many Christian communities where vaccine refusal is common.

According to state health authorities, more than 99% of all confirmed cases were among people who had not received the vaccine. By age group, the majority of patients were adults rather than children, with those aged 25 to 49 making up the largest share. Those under 18 accounted for 32% of the total cases. The scale of the outbreak is already significant: 198 people have been hospitalized, and the death toll due to measles has reached five.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be transmitted through the air. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 21 days, with the average being 10 to 12 days. Common symptoms include fever and rash, as well as cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. If a person without immunity comes into contact with an infected patient, their chance of contracting the virus exceeds 90%.

3,887 Cases So Far This Year... 'Elimination Country' Status at Risk

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of October 1, there have been 3,887 confirmed measles cases across the United States this year. This figure—nearly 3,900—is already significantly higher than the 2,289 cases reported during all of last year, making it the most severe outbreak since 1991.

Experts point to declining immunization rates, brought on by growing vaccine mistrust since the COVID-19 pandemic, as a major factor in this recent resurgence. The New York Times noted that U.S. President Donald Trump's public remarks implying a link between vaccines and autism and The Trump Administration's recommendation to separate, rather than combine, MMR vaccinations, fueled doubts and mistrust toward vaccines.

The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000 based on high immunization rates. However, as vaccination rates have declined since then, the disease is spreading again. International health authorities will convene an emergency meeting next month to reassess whether the United States and Mexico still qualify for official designation as 'measles elimination countries' and to render a final decision.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.