Home / Health / Measles Surges 21% Amid School Exclusion Debate
Measles Surges 21% Amid School Exclusion Debate
12 Mar
Summary
- Measles cases in England rose 21% in one week, reaching 235 this year.
- Most cases (71%) are in children under 10, primarily in London and Birmingham.
- Health leaders propose barring unvaccinated children from school during outbreaks.
Measles cases in England have seen a significant surge of 21% in the past week, with 235 confirmed infections reported as of March 9, 2026. The data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that 71% of these cases involve children under the age of 10. Major outbreaks are concentrated in North London and Birmingham, prompting calls for stricter public health measures.
Health leaders are advocating for policies that could see unvaccinated children temporarily excluded from school settings during measles outbreaks. Enfield, a borough in North London, has already implemented such measures, asking unvaccinated close contacts to stay home for 21 days. This approach aims to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus, especially given the waning uptake of the MMR vaccine.
The UK previously held measles elimination status, but the World Health Organization revoked it in January 2026 due to resurgent outbreaks. The current situation is concerning as measles can lead to severe complications, including meningitis and sepsis, with one in five infected children requiring hospitalization. Public health officials are urging vaccination as the best protection.
