New York Measles Emergency Response
Advancing
On October 7, 2026, Reuters reported that Kennedy spoke with New York Governor Hochul and offered federal support for a measles outbreak — 108 cases through October 3, with 92 cases since July 15 in under-immunized rural communities across 18 counties. New York had declared a statewide disaster emergency. Kennedy connected Hochul with CDC Director Erica Schwartz.
The outreach landed against a contentious background. Kennedy has questioned state reporting of measles deaths, and Pennsylvania — which saw more than 1,000 cases in 2026 — resisted CDC help after Kennedy disputed the virus’s role in deaths there in an exchange with Governor Shapiro, per the Reuters report.
Timeline
- October 7, 2026 — Kennedy speaks with Governor Hochul, offers federal support for the New York measles outbreak, and connects her with CDC Director Erica Schwartz.
