Governor Kathy Hochul has officially declared a **state disaster emergency** in response to a significant surge in **measles cases** across rural New York and neighboring states. This executive order, issued on Monday, is designed to empower the state to respond swiftly to the outbreak and facilitate broader vaccination efforts for healthcare professionals.

The urgency of this declaration stems from alarming data: as of Saturday, there have been **seven confirmed cases in New York City** and **101 cases statewide**. However, the epicenter of the crisis lies in under-immunized rural areas. Since mid-July, **92 cases** have erupted across **18 counties**, with **Otsego County** in Central New York reporting the highest number of infections at 20 since January.

This move underscores the highly contagious nature of measles and the critical need for immediate public health intervention to protect vulnerable populations.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Monday after a surge in measles cases across rural New York and nearby states.

NY Declares Disaster Emergency as Measles Cases Surge in Rural Communities

Governor Kathy Hochul has officially declared a **state disaster emergency** in New York as the state grapples with a growing measles outbreak. The declaration comes after the New York State Department of Health confirmed **108 measles cases** this year, with the vast majority occurring outside of New York City.

### Expanding Healthcare Access

To combat the spread more effectively, Hochul’s executive order significantly broadens who can administer vaccines and order tests. The new measures allow:

*   **Paramedics**, **advanced EMS providers**, **pharmacists**, and **midwives** to administer measles vaccines.
*   **Nurses** (in addition to physicians) to order measles testing.

These steps are designed to accelerate response times and increase accessibility for residents in affected areas.

"After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease," Hochul stated. "No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease."

### Outbreak Details and Response

The outbreak is heavily concentrated in rural communities. Since July 15, **92 cases** have been reported across **18 counties**, primarily among under-immunized populations. In response, local health departments have already administered over **1,000 doses** of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

To help the public track the situation, the state has launched a **Measles Dashboard**, allowing officials and citizens to monitor case counts and local health risks in real-time.

### Understanding the Risk

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air via coughs or sneezes, and potentially through contaminated surfaces. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and death. Those at highest risk include:

*   Unvaccinated individuals
*   Pregnant people
*   Children under 12 months
*   People with compromised immune systems

Symptoms to watch for include **high fever**, **rash**, **runny nose**, **cough**, and **red eyes**. Health officials urge all New Yorkers to verify their vaccination status and ensure they are up to date on their MMR shots. If symptoms appear, individuals should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a facility to prevent further transmission.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency as New York reported 108 confirmed measles cases this year. The order expands who can administer vaccines and order testing.

NY Declares Measles Emergency: 108 Cases Spark Expanded Vaccine Access

The fast-rising dance-pop sensation **Slayyyter** proved why she is currently dominating the music scene with a powerhouse performance at the final North American stop of her **Wor$t Girl in the World Tour**. On October 3, 2026, the Missouri-born star took over **Terminal 5** and the following night, **Brooklyn Paramount**, delivering a show that was as visually stunning as it was sonically explosive.

Backed by a tight band and dressed in iconic costumes, Slayyyter brought the **electro-punk-meets-nu-metal** energy of her breakthrough album, *Wor$t Girl in America*, to life. The setlist featured all 14 tracks from the album, plus exclusive previews of her upcoming "brother album," *Wor$t Man in America*. She also performed her remix of Turnstile’s "Birds" and the unreleased hit "Broke B—h Freestyle."

### 5 Best Moments From the NYC Show

**1. An Immersive Trailer Park Aesthetic**
The stage design transported the sold-out crowd into a **Midwest gothic fantasia**. Upon entering, fans were greeted by a house set complete with a front door, porch, and cross, alongside plastic armchairs and red coolers emblazoned with her logo. The band even played atop a blue pickup truck, creating a unique, immersive atmosphere that perfectly matched the tour's theme.

**2. The Crowd-Surfing Remix of "Birds"**
Slayyyter’s decision to include her version of Turnstile’s "Birds" was a masterstroke. Knowing her audience’s tastes, she created a moment of pure unity as the crowd sang along to the lyrics. This choice highlighted the overlap between her fanbase and the punk-rock community, proving her versatility and deep connection with listeners.

**3. Couture That Tells a Story**
Her costume changes were not just fashion statements but narrative devices. Kicking off the show in a black leotard with bunny ears and a giant blue ribbon, she leaned into the **Bunny Man character** central to her new era. Outfits ranged from an "I LOVE NYYYC" cap to a vintage Vegas showgirl bodysuit, all tailored to enhance the secondhand glamour aesthetic of the *Wor$t Girl/Man* universe.

**4. Sneak Peeks Into *Wor$t Man in America***
The energy peaked when Slayyyter teased unreleased material. She debuted three tracks from her upcoming project: **"Nekromantic," "Hymn,"** and **"I Think He’s Got a Girl."** Fans, known for their dedication, sang along to these brand-new songs, making the live premiere feel intimate and special.

**5. A Full-Circle Encore**
The night concluded with a powerful back-to-back performance of **"Brand New Chanel$"** and **"Beat Up Chanel$"**. These two tracks bookend her career evolution, offering distinct tones while tracing her artistic growth. Ending on these defining hits provided a nostalgic and satisfying close to the North American leg of the tour.

With the North American leg concluded, Slayyyter heads to Europe, starting in Paris on October 18 and concluding in London on November 5.

Billboard ranks the best moments of Slayyyter's Worst Girl in the World Tour stop at Brooklyn Paramount in New York. Read the full show review.

Tue 6 Oct 2026

NY Declares Measles Emergency: 108 Cases Spark Expanded Vaccine Access

NY Declares Disaster Emergency as Measles Cases Surge in Rural Communities

Slayyyter’s Brooklyn Finale: 5 Unmissable Moments From The Worst Girl In The World Tour

NY Declares Measles Emergency: 108 Cases Spark Expanded Vaccine Access

NY Declares Disaster Emergency as Measles Cases Surge in Rural Communities

Slayyyter’s Brooklyn Finale: 5 Unmissable Moments From The Worst Girl In The World Tour

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