New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday over a measles outbreak, as the United States experiences its worst year for the disease in more than three decades.

New York has recorded 108 measles cases so far this year through Oct. 3, including 92 cases reported since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties, according to the governor's executive order.

Seven of the cases were reported in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state, Hochul's office said. Local health departments have administered more than 1,000 measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine doses in rural areas since July 15.

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

The emergency declaration, which took effect Monday and runs through Nov. 4, expands the range of healthcare professionals who can administer MMR vaccines and gives health authorities additional powers to respond to the outbreak.

Under the order, registered nurses can order tests for people suspected of having measles, while pharmacists can administer MMR vaccines to children as young as 2.

The order also requires all MMR vaccinations to be reported to New York state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours. Consent from adults is waived for the reporting requirement, although vaccination itself still requires consent from the patient or a legal guardian.

The declaration comes as neighboring Pennsylvania grapples with a larger outbreak. The state had reported 977 measles cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2, with most cases concentrated in rural counties bordering New York, according to Hochul's executive order.

Pennsylvania health officials said on Monday that the state's total had surpassed 1,000 cases, making it the largest measles outbreak in the state in more than three decades.

The United States has recorded nearly 3,900 measles cases this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting 2026 on track to become the country's worst year for measles since 1991.

Measles is highly contagious but can largely be prevented through vaccination. Health authorities have been urging communities with low vaccination rates to increase immunization coverage as outbreaks spread. (ILKHA)