Health officials have issued a warning to parents after two children in England died from measles this year, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to urge all parents to ensure their children are up to date with MMR or MMRV vaccines.
Measles Cases Rising
New figures show 736 cases so far this year, compared with 959 cases for the whole of 2025. Many outbreaks are concentrated in London and the West Midlands. The UKHSA reports that the majority of cases are among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.
Two measles deaths have been reported: one child died from acute measles, and another child's death was linked to late effects of measles.
Urgent Plea from Experts
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed condolences and stressed the seriousness of measles. She 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.”
She added: “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.”
Complications and Government Response
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, long-term disability or death. Health Secretary James Murray called the deaths a “heartbreaking reminder that measles is not a harmless childhood illness.”
He said: “My thoughts are with the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss. 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.”
Vaccination Coverage Declining
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently announced that the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles, following a plateau in vaccination coverage and a surge in cases. Latest data shows 91.8% of five-year-olds received one dose of MMR vaccine in England in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest level since 2010/11.
Health chiefs urge parents to prioritise vaccine catch-up appointments to protect children and vulnerable communities.
