The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning as the disease has continued to spread rapidly
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today released its monthly update on measles cases in England, revealing that outbreaks are continuing. In April, 109 cases were confirmed and May’s figures to date showed 86.
The majority of these cases have been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, with London reporting almost half of all cases in the past four weeks.
There has also been a global increase in measles cases over the last year, including Europe. The agency is concerned that travel for holidays or to visit family this summer could lead to another surge of measles cases in England.
Today’s latest measles epidemiology report on the UKHSA Data Dashboard reveals:
Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, at least 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.
However, measles remains endemic in many countries around the world. With declines in MMR vaccine uptake observed over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also seen large measles outbreaks in Europe and other countries.
An analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reported 127,350 measles cases in the European Region for 2024. This is double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997.
This year, several European countries including France, Italy, Spain and Germany have seen outbreaks of measles. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide.
Decline in vaccinations
In England, there’s been a decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations, including MMR, over the past decade. This is well below the WHO’s 95% target, leaving many thousands of children unprotected and at risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.
London has the lowest MMR uptake rates compared with other English regions, with just 73.3% of 5 year olds receiving the second dose of the vaccine, compared to the English average of 83.9%.
From Autumn 2023 to summer 2024, England experienced its biggest outbreak of measles since 2012, particularly affecting young children. Although cases have declined since last year’s peak, local outbreaks continue.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that measles is “one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated”. The agency is concerned that more outbreaks may occur on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks.
The UKHSA added: “It is important that anyone travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially parents of young children, check that all members of their family have received both their MMR vaccines.
“Getting vaccinated means you are also helping protect others who can’t have the vaccine, including infants under one year and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles.”
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
“Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child and it’s not something you want to experience when away on holiday.
“The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems can’t have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them.
“It is never too late to catch up, if you’re not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don’t put it off and regret it later.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, remarked: “Tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations were delivered following NHS action last year to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and the recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected.
“Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child’s vaccination.”
When vaccines are offered
The first MMR vaccine is given to little ones at one year old, with a second dose during pre-school age at around three years and four months.
Receiving two doses of the vaccine ensures about 99% protection from measles and rubella. While mumps prevention isn’t as high, vaccinated individuals who get mumps usually have much milder symptoms.
Anyone of any age who hasn’t had both shots can get in touch with their local surgery to book a jab. Remember, catching up on vaccinations can happen at any time.
It’s particularly important to check you’ve had both doses if you are:
For more information on measles, mumps and rubella see the UKHSA resource: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet.
