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England Measles Outbreak: Two Children Dead, Cases Surge
11 Jun
Summary
- Two children in England have tragically died from measles this year.
- Measles cases are circulating widely, particularly in London and West Midlands.
- Vaccination rates for MMR in England have declined to their lowest level since 2010/11.
Two children in England have died this year due to measles, with health officials reporting that the highly infectious disease is circulating in numerous areas. Outbreaks have been particularly noted in London and the West Midlands, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10.
Officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that one child succumbed to acute measles, while another's death was attributed to its late effects. This year has seen 736 reported cases, approaching last year's total of 959 cases.
Health Secretary James Murray emphasized that measles is a serious illness with potentially fatal complications, underscoring the MMR vaccine's role in saving lives. The UKHSA urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, as the MMR vaccine provides the best protection and also safeguards vulnerable infants and individuals with health conditions.
Data reveals that only 91.8% of five-year-olds received one dose of the MMR vaccine in England for 2024/25, a figure unchanged from the previous year and the lowest recorded since 2010/11. Authorities are appealing to parents to book appointments for any missed vaccinations to protect communities.
