Measles outbreak leaves two children dead and over 100 more cases confirmed

Measles outbreak leaves two children dead and over 100 more cases confirmed It is understood it is the first time two children have died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018 - with a further 106 laboratory confirmed cases in the last two weeks Two children have died in measles outbreaks so far this year with the airborne disease continuing to circulate in "many parts of the country", health officials have announced. The UK Health Security Agency has revealed "measles activity" increased earlier this year, mainly due to outbreaks in London, the East of England and the West Midlands. The majority of cases are in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. It is understood it is the first time two children have died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018. A further 106 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported in England in the last two weeks, bringing the total number of cases confirmed between January 1 and June 8 to 736. That compares to 959 cases for the whole of 2025. Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA 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. “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. “Getting vaccinated also helps protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated and people unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition. Please don’t delay and if you or your child are not up to date, book an appointment today.” Measles is spread through the air or water droplets, breathed, coughed or sneezed by infected people. As well as death, in rare cases it can lead to blindness, deafness and brain problems. Sufferers are infectious from the first symptoms until four days after the rash appears. Earlier this year there were growing concerns about low vaccination rates and children who had not had the measles, mumps and rubella jab could be sent home from school in an outbreak. The World Health Organisation has said measles, considered eliminated in the UK from 2021-23, was re-established here from 2024 as vaccine coverage fell below the 95% required to achieve herd immunity. UK rates are now the lowest in over a decade. In 2024-25, 91.9% of five-year-olds had one dose of MMR and just 83.7% of five-year-olds had both doses. Uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine began declining after a 1998 report falsely linked the jab with autism. Health Secretary James Murray 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. "I urge all parents and carers to check that their children are up to date with their vaccinations as it is never too late to catch up – even if you miss a dose. "By ensuring our children are vaccinated, we not only protect them but also help safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities."