The proclamation covers the entire state of New York and represents the authorities’ institutional response to an increase in infections described by sources as being concentrated particularly in rural communities or areas with lower immunization rates.
According to data provided by state authorities and reported by France 24 and The Hill, 108 measles cases had been recorded as of October 3. Most of the infections were outside New York City.
The tally does not match another figure published on the outbreak: The Hindu reports 92 cases in 18 counties since July 15. The available information does not clarify whether the difference is due to the period covered or to a different reporting scope.
Among the measures linked to the emergency, France 24 reports that the order expands the categories of people authorized to administer the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
The outbreak also affects neighboring Pennsylvania. The Hindu reports 977 cases in the state, including several infections in rural counties along the border with New York.
France 24 also reports that the outbreak in Pennsylvania has caused five deaths. In the available material, this figure is supported only by that source.
Hochul’s declaration therefore comes as measles cases rise in areas of the state outside the New York metropolitan area, with the statewide emergency accompanied by measures to broaden vaccine administration, according to France 24.