New York state emergency declared
A child in rural Lewis County, approximately 93 miles north of Syracuse, died after contracting measles, marking the state’s first fatal case in 30 years. Governor Kathy Hochul linked the child’s death to the federal government’s stance on immunization, calling the loss "a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses." Hochul declared a disaster emergency in early October because of measles cases in rural New York and neighbouring states. This executive order extends the pool of people who can administer measles vaccines to include paramedics, midwives, and others. The order also allows nurses to join doctors in ordering testing to manage the virus. "I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles," Hochul said in a statement.
National outbreaks and policy shifts
| Location | 2026 Reported Cases | 2026 Reported Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 4,588 | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,338 | 6 |
| South Carolina | Over 500 | Not reported |
| Utah | Over 500 | Not reported |
The CDC reported 4,588 measles cases across the US through late October 2026, a figure that is more than double the 2025 tally. While the CDC confirmed three measles-associated deaths in the US this year, state health departments have reported higher numbers. Pennsylvania health officials reported six deaths and 1,338 cases as of late October. Large outbreaks also exist in South Carolina and Utah, where both states report more than 500 cases. Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes serious health complications. Although deaths are rare, they occur in approximately one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
Vaccination rates in the US have fallen below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease. The US stopped the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but these levels have fallen in recent years. Robert F Kennedy Jr, the secretary of the US department of health and human services, has faced criticism for his comments on some vaccines. He made sweeping changes to vaccination policy, including cutting childhood immunization recommendations by a third. This policy change occurs as the CDC reports a massive increase in cases compared to 2025.
