Two children in England have died from measles, health officials have confirmed, as data reveals more than 100 new infections in the past two weeks. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Thursday that two children had died this year, one from acute measles and the other from the late effects of the disease. This marks the first time two children have succumbed to measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018, according to a senior public health source.
Measles continues to circulate
UKHSA stated that measles remains widespread across many parts of the country. In the last month, cases have been highest in London, the east of England, and the West Midlands. Since the previous update two weeks ago, an additional 106 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported in England, bringing the total from 1 January to 8 June to 736. This compares with 959 cases for the entire year of 2025. Most cases have been among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.
Urgent call for vaccination
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed condolences to the affected families and emphasized the seriousness of measles. “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,” she said. Dr Saliba also encouraged anyone who has missed their measles vaccines to catch up through their GP practice, regardless of age, to protect babies too young to be vaccinated and those unable to receive the vaccine due to health conditions.
Vaccination rates at historic lows
In February, MPs and health experts warned that children were being put at risk because the NHS was failing to ensure MMR vaccine uptake. Calls for major reform of MMR jab delivery have intensified, with vaccination rates in some parts of England now comparable to those in Afghanistan and Malawi. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads easily among unvaccinated individuals, leading to complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and, rarely, long-term disability or death. In January, the World Health Organization declared that the UK had lost its measles elimination status due to stalled vaccination coverage and rising cases.
Latest data shows that 91.8% of five-year-olds in England received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024-25, unchanged from the previous year and the lowest level since 2010-11. Health Secretary James Murray expressed his condolences and stressed the importance of vaccination. “These deaths are a heartbreaking reminder that measles is not a harmless childhood illness. Measles can lead to serious complications that can be fatal, and the MMR vaccine, which has saved countless lives, remains the best protection we have against this highly infectious disease. I urge all parents and carers to check that their children are up to date with their vaccinations as it is never too late to catch up, even if you miss a dose. By ensuring our children are vaccinated, we not only protect them but also help safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities,” he said.
