Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Measles Outbreak In UK: Virus Spreads Among Unvaccinated Children In London

<strong><span rel="noindex">Measles Outbreak In UK</span>: </strong>A <span>measles outbreak</span> has been confirmed in London's north east area, noted the <em>BMJ</em>. As per the medical journal, the outbreak is among the unvaccinated children. The medical journal also noted that there have been 96 laboratory confirmed cases of <span>measles</span> in England between January 1 to February 9, 2026 and more than a third, which is 34 cases are from Enfield. <em>BMJ </em>also noted that Enfield is also the area with lowest vaccination rates. 

As per the data by the UK Health Security Agency or the UKHSA, only 64.3% of 5 year-olds Enfield received both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella or the MMR vaccine in 2024 and 2025. The majority (74 of 96, 77%) of measles cases confirmed in the UK so far this year were in children aged 10 and under. Some 64% of cases have been in London, 26% in the West Midlands, and 4% in the East Midlands.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/unique-symptoms-of-measles-in-2026-and-how-long-does-the-infection-last-article-153627764https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/unique-symptoms-of-measles-in-2026-and-how-long-does-the-infection-last-article-153627764" data-type="tilCustomLink">Unique Symptoms Of Measles In 2026 And How Long Does The Infection Last?</a>

<h2>Measles Outbreak In UK: Previous Cases And How It Made A Comeback</h2>

Last month, the World Health Organization revoked the United Kingdom’s measles elimination status after the virus was found to be circulating continuously for over a year.

In 2025, a child in Liverpool died after contracting measles, prompting renewed pressure on the NHS and government to address its return. England recorded 959 laboratory-confirmed cases that year. Although lower than the 2,911 cases in 2024, it still marked the highest annual total since 2012.

Vaccine uptake has steadily declined over the past 12 years. Only 84.4% of children in the UK receive both doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, far below the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity.

<h2>Why Has Measles Return To The UK?</h2>

In late 2023, measles outbreaks were reported in the UK, which led to a surge in cases in 2024. Vaccination uptake at the end of 2024 was 92% for the first dose, however, for the second dose, it was below 82%.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA said, "Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls - measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals."

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/uk-loses-measles-elimination-status-why-is-this-disease-making-a-comeback-article-153511116" data-type="tilCustomLink">UK Loses Measles Elimination Status: Why Is This Disease Making A Comeback?</a>

She also noted that children and adults must get vaccinated as NHS also offers catch-up jabs.

Dr Baharat Pankhania, from the University of Exeter, as reported by the BBC said, "Measles is an infection that can be prevented by vaccine - and it's extremely concerning that in the UK we now have pockets of low or no vaccine uptake. We urgently need to remedy this situation." Pankhania also noted that there is a need to make the access to GPs easier, and for an effort that could immunize babies in their homes and counter wrong information around vaccine safety.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

measles outbreak in uk

measles outbreak

measles

measles disease

uk health news

health news uk

health news

Can Hormonal Changes Impact Intimacy Between Partners? Expert Explains

We Fact Checked The Ayurveda Claim Of Papaya Lowering Your Cholesterol, Details Inside

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Measles Outbreak In UK: A measles outbreak has been confirmed in London's north east area, noted the BMJ. As per the medical journal, the outbreak is among the unvaccinated children. The medical journal also noted that there have been 96 laboratory confirmed cases of measles in England between January 1 to February 9, 2026 and more than a third, which is 34 cases are from Enfield. BMJ also noted that Enfield is also the area with lowest vaccination rates. As per the data by the UK Health Security Agency or the UKHSA, only 64.3% of 5 year-olds Enfield received both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella or the MMR vaccine in 2024 and 2025. The majority (74 of 96, 77%) of measles cases confirmed in the UK so far this year were in children aged 10 and under. Some 64% of cases have been in London, 26% in the West Midlands, and 4% in the East Midlands.Read: Unique Symptoms Of Measles In 2026 And How Long Does The Infection Last?Measles Outbreak In UK: Previous Cases And How It Made A ComebackLast month, the World Health Organization revoked the United Kingdom’s measles elimination status after the virus was found to be circulating continuously for over a year.In 2025, a child in Liverpool died after contracting measles, prompting renewed pressure on the NHS and government to address its return. England recorded 959 laboratory-confirmed cases that year. Although lower than the 2,911 cases in 2024, it still marked the highest annual total since 2012.Vaccine uptake has steadily declined over the past 12 years. Only 84.4% of children in the UK receive both doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, far below the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity.Why Has Measles Return To The UK?In late 2023, measles outbreaks were reported in the UK, which led to a surge in cases in 2024. Vaccination uptake at the end of 2024 was 92% for the first dose, however, for the second dose, it was below 82%.Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA said, "Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls - measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals."Read: UK Loses Measles Elimination Status: Why Is This Disease Making A Comeback?She also noted that children and adults must get vaccinated as NHS also offers catch-up jabs.Dr Baharat Pankhania, from the University of Exeter, as reported by the BBC said, "Measles is an infection that can be prevented by vaccine - and it's extremely concerning that in the UK we now have pockets of low or no vaccine uptake. We urgently need to remedy this situation." Pankhania also noted that there is a need to make the access to GPs easier, and for an effort that could immunize babies in their homes and counter wrong information around vaccine safety.

measles outbreak in uk: virus spreads among unvaccinated children in london

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Measles Outbreak In UK: Virus Spreads Among Unvaccinated Children In London

India AI Summit: Union Health Minister Nadda Launches SAHI And BODH Initiatives To Boost AI In Healthcare

H3N2 Not Just Common Cold, Experts Say Do Not Self-Medicate

Greater Noida Locals Contract Food Poisoning From Kuttu Flour, Here's Why

Health Conditions A-Z

Measles Outbreak In UK: Virus Spreads Among Unvaccinated Children In London

Can Hormonal Changes Impact Intimacy Between Partners? Expert Explains

We Fact Checked The Ayurveda Claim Of Papaya Lowering Your Cholesterol, Details Inside