Two children have tragically lost their lives in measles outbreaks this year as the contagious disease continues to spread in various parts of the UK, according to health officials. The UK Health Security Agency has reported a rise in measles activity earlier this year, primarily driven by outbreaks in London, the East of England, and the West Midlands. Most cases involve unvaccinated children under the age of 10, marking the first instance of two children dying from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018.
In the past two weeks, England has recorded an additional 106 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, bringing the total from January 1 to June 8 to 736. This figure is lower than the 959 cases reported for the entire year of 2025.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased children and emphasized the seriousness of measles as it continues to circulate widely. She urged parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines to provide the best protection against the easily spread disease. Those who missed their measles vaccinations can schedule catch-up appointments through their GP regardless of their age.
Measles is transmitted through airborne or water droplets expelled by infected individuals through breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Apart from the risk of death, it can lead to severe complications such as blindness, deafness, and neurological issues. Infected individuals are contagious from the onset of symptoms until four days after the appearance of the rash.
Earlier this year, concerns grew over low vaccination rates, prompting schools to send home children who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine during outbreaks. The World Health Organization noted that measles, previously eliminated in the UK from 2021-2023, reemerged in 2024 due to falling vaccine coverage below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity.
Vaccination rates in the UK have declined to the lowest levels in over a decade. In the 2024-25 period, only 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of MMR, and just 83.7% had received both doses. The drop in MMR uptake began after a discredited 1998 report falsely linking the vaccine to autism.
Health Secretary James Murray extended sympathies to the affected families, emphasizing the seriousness of measles and the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing the disease. He urged parents and caregivers to verify that their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations, highlighting that it is never too late to catch up on missed doses. By ensuring children are vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to safeguarding the vulnerable members of their communities.
