What is the UK Health Security Agency warning about?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning about a highly contagious illness, measles, that is spreading rapidly in the UK.

Who has been most affected by the measles outbreak in the UK?

Most of the measles cases have been in children aged 10 and under, though 25% of the cases were in young people and adults aged 15 and over.

Home / Health / UK Faces Measles Surge, Urges Routine Childhood Vaccinations

UK Faces Measles Surge, Urges Routine Childhood Vaccinations

11 Nov

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Summary

Measles is "nearly twice as contagious" as common cold
Over 800 measles cases in England since start of 2025
Most cases in children under 10, some in adults 15+

UK Faces Measles Surge, Urges Routine Childhood Vaccinations

As of November 11th, 2025, the UK is facing a concerning surge in measles cases, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sounding the alarm. According to the latest data, there have been 811 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England since the start of the year.

Most of these cases have been in children aged 10 and under, though a significant 25% were in young people and adults aged 15 and over. Health officials warn that measles is "nearly twice as contagious" as the common cold, and can lead to serious complications like ear infections, pneumonia, and brain inflammation that may require hospitalization.

In response, the UKHSA is urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children have received all their routine childhood vaccinations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot. This comes as MMR vaccination rates have seen a decline in recent years, leaving more people vulnerable to the highly infectious disease.