Two children die from measles following outbreaks

Two children in England have died from measles this year, with the disease continuing to circulate in many parts of the country, health officials have said.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one child died from "acute measles" and another child's death was linked to the "late effects of measles".

In comparison, there were three deaths as a result of measles across England and Wales in the five-year period from the start of 2020 to the end of 2024, according to official data.

Many recent cases of measles have been linked to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, and were mainly found among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.

Across England, more than 100 new cases of the infection have been confirmed in the past two weeks, according to new data.

So far this year there have been 736 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England, compared with 959 cases in the whole of 2025.

The London Borough of Enfield has seen more cases of the infection this year than any other part of the country, with 15% of the total number of cases (111).

This is followed by Birmingham, which has had 10% (79) and the London Borough of Haringey, where 6% of cases (49) have been recorded this year.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "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."

She added: "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."

In England, MMR vaccine uptake remains below the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95%.

Latest national statistics indicate that 88.9% of children receive their first dose by the age of two, while 83.7% of five-year-olds receive both recommended doses.

Health Secretary James Murray said: "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."

Measles is a viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated.

While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.

The UK recently lost its WHO measles elimination status after more than 2,900 cases were confirmed in England in 2024, the highest level for more than a decade.

The UK was first declared measles-free in 2017, but lost the status two years later, before regaining it after spread of the virus was almost halted completely in 2021 - although that was mainly put down to social distancing during the pandemic.

Outbreaks in late 2023 meant measles started spreading more quickly again, leading to the surge in cases in 2024.

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