New York measles outbreak: What you need to know about cases, symptoms and spread

New York is taking emergency action as measles cases continue to rise in rural parts of the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide disaster emergency, with 108 cases reported through Oct. 3. Most of the infections are outside New York City and are concentrated in under-immunized rural communities.

The move comes as neighboring Pennsylvania deals with an even larger outbreak, with more than 1,000 cases and five reported deaths, as per a report by Reuters and Fox5 New York.

How serious is the New York measles outbreak

New York has recorded 108 measles cases this year, according to Hochul’s office. Seven of those cases are in New York City, while 101 were reported elsewhere in the state. The state said 92 cases have been reported since July 15 in rural communities across 18 counties. Those cases have mainly been found in communities described as under-immunized. Local health departments have responded by giving more than 1,000 measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine doses in rural areas since July 15.

Hochul signed the emergency order on Monday. Her office said it is meant to help state agencies respond more quickly and give health professionals more ways to test and vaccinate people.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said in a statement.

She added: “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. 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.”

What is happening in neighboring Pennsylvania

The situation across the border has added to concern in New York. Pennsylvania had reported 977 measles cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2, according to the emergency order. Most of those cases were in rural counties bordering New York. Pennsylvania health officials said Monday that the state's total had moved past 1,000 cases. Nearly 200 people have been hospitalized, and five deaths have been reported.

The outbreak is now the largest state measles outbreak in more than three decades.

The wider U.S. outbreak is also significant. The country is having its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What changes under New York’s emergency order

The order expands who can help with measles testing and vaccination. Registered nurses can order tests for people suspected of having measles. Pharmacists can vaccinate children of 2 years of age. The state is also requiring MMR vaccinations to be reported to New York State or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. The order waives adults’ consent for that reporting, although getting the vaccine still requires consent from the patient or a legal guardian.

The emergency began Monday and is scheduled to remain in effect through Nov. 4.

Symptoms of measles

Symptoms of measles include fever and a severe rash. Measles is a respiratory disease. It can also spread through contact, with surfaces that have the virus on them. Also, if an infected person coughs or sneezes, the person in their proximity could also get affected.

The New York Department of Health lists serious complications. These include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death. Each of these complications can be very dangerous. Some can lead to long-term health problems. In the cases measles can lead to death. That is why it is so important to prevent measles through vaccination.

The department says the MMR vaccine offers the best protection for most people.