NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order on October 5 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.

Following the state’s declaration, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health is helping residents understand what the declaration means–and just as importantly, what it does not mean.

“A State of Emergency does not mean that everyone is in immediate danger or that people should panic,” said Dr. Jessie Moore, Public Health Director in Sullivan County. “It means Public Health has additional tools available to prevent disease, prepare our communities, and respond quickly when needed. This is public health in action: being prepared before a situation becomes more difficult to control.”

As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in the rest of the state for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases. There have been zero cases reported in Sullivan County so far.

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.

Sullivan County Public Health is using this period to strengthen local preparedness and make sure residents and community partners know what to do before an exposure occurs. The department is conducting direct outreach to healthcare providers, EMS and fire agencies, schools and childcare providers, places where people gather, and community organizations.

Residents should review their vaccination records and make sure they and their families are appropriately vaccinated against measles. The New York State Department of Health continues to identify MMR vaccination as the best protection against measles and recommends that New Yorkers ensure they are up to date.