Hochul declares emergency in measles outbreak

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order today declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states. The Executive Order enables the State to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed. The Governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year's flu vaccine to protect against infection. The Governor is committed to putting New Yorkers’ health and safety first and has directed the New York State Department of Health to share frequent public notifications and resources throughout this flu season.

"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," Governor 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 State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "I appreciate Governor Hochul’s swift action to help address ongoing measles cases. Department staff are working closely with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the current measles outbreak. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. I urge New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and make sure that they and their families are protected. I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat any measles cases they encounter.”

The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing.

As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.

Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days after exposure, and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms of measles can include the following:

Seven to 14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A rash can occur 3-5 days after symptoms become apparent:

• The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
• Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
• The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
• When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

How Individuals Can Protect Themselves

• Individuals should check their vaccination status. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should contact a healthcare provider or local health department.
• Know the symptoms. Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body. Those who are sick should call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department so infection-control steps can be taken.

Immunization Guidance

• The MMR vaccine is highly effective and is the best protection against measles.
• Most people born before 1957 are considered immune because they were likely exposed to the virus. Those who received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 may have received a vaccine that wasn't as effective and should talk to their health care provider about getting revaccinated.