Parents are being urged to know the symptoms to watch for as the number of people with measles continues to rise. Two children have died after contracting the disease this year, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue fresh calls for parents and carers to get their children vaccinated.
Rising Cases and Tragic Deaths
New data published on Thursday showed the number of people with the disease is continuing to rise. Between January 1 and June 8, there have been 736 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England, an increase of 106 cases since the last report on May 25, 2026. Of these, 404 were in London, 136 in the West Midlands, and 77 in the North West. However, all regions have reported at least one confirmed case with symptom onset since January 2026, warned the UKHSA.
In 2025, there were 959 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England. Announcing the latest figures, the UKHSA said: "Sadly, to date in 2026, there have been 2 measles deaths in children in England."
Urgent Vaccination Appeal
Calling on families to ensure children are vaccinated, Dr. Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the families who have so tragically lost their children. Measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country and as we have seen it can be very serious and even fatal. We urge all parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, giving them the best and safest protection against measles – which can spread very easily. Anyone who has missed out on their measles vaccines can catch up through their GP practice, whatever their age."
Getting vaccinated also helps protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated and people unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition. "Please don’t delay and if you or your child are not up to date, book an appointment today," she added.
Expert Perspective
Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Assistant Professor of Global Health & Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: "Latest UKHSA data shows that the total number of measles cases confirmed between 1 January and 8 June 2026 was 736, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025. The data indicates a persistence of under vaccination and risk of measles spread in urban areas like London, which are characterised by extremes of inequality. The burden of risk is not equally shared. The immediate priority now is to ensure timely catch-up of under vaccinated children, and that school-age children are brought up to schedule as efficiently as possible with equitable pathways to vaccination through enhanced access. This is essential to avoid outbreaks in schools, and so that children can look forward to their summers free from the risk of being infected – or hospitalised."
Little-Known Symptoms to Watch For
The NHS confirmed vaccinations were the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. It also explained what symptoms to watch for. While most people know of the measles rash along with cold symptoms, many are unaware of red, sore, watery eyes, or even spots in the mouth. The NHS has set out symptoms to watch for and what to do if you think you or your child has measles.
Symptoms of Measles
According to the NHS, measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
Cold-like symptoms:
- A high temperature
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
Spots in the mouth: Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
The measles rash: A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
When to See a GP
You should seek medical advice if:
- You think you or your child may have measles
- You've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not had measles before or you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
- You've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy
- You have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles
Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone. You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.
