A significant measles outbreak has resulted in children being admitted to hospitals and dozens of individuals being infected in two regions of the country. A recently released map highlights the areas where the historical disease of measles is reemerging.
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom lost its measles elimination status, as confirmed by the World Health Organization, due to the prolonged circulation of the disease.
Following outbreaks in London and the West Midlands that led to hospitalizations of some children, parents are now advised to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations. As of February 2, England has recorded 96 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles this year, with concerns raised about a potential increase in infections during the upcoming school holidays.
Recent data indicates that nearly two-thirds of the reported cases, totaling 61, were identified in London. The current outbreak in London seems to be concentrated in Enfield, where 34 cases have been confirmed.
Seven schools and a nursery in Enfield have reported up to 60 potential cases awaiting lab confirmation, with one in five individuals requiring hospitalization, as per reports from MyLondon.
In certain areas of London, vaccination rates are notably lower compared to the national average. For example, in Enfield, one in three children are not fully vaccinated against measles. Data shows that only 64.3% of youngsters received both doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday, falling well below the targeted rate of 95%.
The West Midlands has seen a significant number of cases as well, with 26 confirmed cases, of which 21 are in Birmingham. Although vaccination rates in Birmingham are slightly higher than in parts of London, with 75.5% of children receiving both MMR doses by the age of five, there is still a notable proportion not fully protected.
The UK achieved measles-free status in 2017 but lost it in 2019, regaining it in 2021 largely due to pandemic-related social distancing measures. However, recent outbreaks starting in 2023 intensified throughout 2024, leading to 2,911 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England that year, the highest number since 2012.
The World Health Organization and the UK Health Security Agency have confirmed that measles transmission has been re-established, resulting in the UK losing its measles elimination status. Most of the infections have been observed in unvaccinated children under the age of 10.
Vaccination rates have declined to their lowest in a decade in England, with 91.8% of five-year-olds receiving one dose of the MMR vaccine and 83.7% being protected by both doses as of last summer.
WHO emphasizes the need for a 95% vaccine coverage to achieve herd immunity, which is not met in some regions of the country where vaccination rates are significantly lower.
The MMR jab has been replaced by the MMRV vaccine this year, offering
