New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said Monday that she will declare a state of emergency over a surprising rise in measles cases across the state, signing an executive order that she said is intended to help New York respond more quickly to the outbreak. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve taken steps to increase the number of healthcare 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.” The state is also updating a measles dashboard intended to help the public and health care officials track local health risks. According to the order, at least 108 cases of measles have been reported among New York state residents this year as of Saturday, including seven in New York City. The state also cites the fast-spreading measles outbreak in neighboring Pennsylvania, which as of Friday has led to 977 cases and five deaths. The MMR vaccine is extremely safe and effective at preventing a measles infection after two doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has used his platform to repeatedly raise fears about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
