A concerning new map highlights the regions in the UK where measles is resurging, following the loss of the country’s measles elimination status. The World Health Organization (WHO) withdrew the UK’s elimination status due to ongoing measles transmission for over a year. While the UK was initially declared measles-free in 2017, the status was lost in 2019 but regained in 2021.
The resurgence of measles in 2023 and its escalation in 2024, with 2,911 confirmed cases in England alone, led to the confirmation by WHO and the UK Health Security Agency of the virus re-establishing endemic transmission, resulting in the loss of measles elimination status.
Although there has been a decline in measles cases since the peak in 2024, the numbers remain relatively high. England reported 957 laboratory-confirmed measles cases since January 1, 2025, primarily affecting unvaccinated children under 10 years old.
Birmingham has been the hotspot for measles cases, recording 534 laboratory-confirmed cases since 2023. London boroughs, particularly Lambeth, Wandsworth, and Hackney, have also experienced significant outbreaks in recent years.
Moreover, Leicester, Leeds, Herefordshire, and Bristol have collectively reported over 100 confirmed cases each in the past three years. This rise in cases coincides with a decrease in vaccination rates across England, reaching the lowest point in a decade.
To achieve herd immunity, the WHO recommends a 95% vaccine coverage rate. However, certain regions in the UK have significantly lower immunization rates, such as Birmingham and Hackney, where a large proportion of children remain unvaccinated.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba from UKHSA emphasized the importance of high vaccine uptake to maintain measles elimination. The NHS has taken steps to improve vaccination accessibility, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier to enhance uptake and support elimination efforts.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Infants and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk from measles.
