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Ishita Roy

UK Loses Measles Elimination Status: Why Is This Disease Making A Comeback?

<span>Measles</span>, a disease once eliminated is making a come back. In the US, the disease has made a full-fledged come back and now the UK has also lost its <span>measles elimination</span> status. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this news based on the spread of cases in 2024, when there were 3,600 suspected cases. Elimination status means that there is no sustained transmission, this is why this decision was expected given the scale of outbreaks in 2024. 

<h2>Measles In UK: Cases Have Gone Up</h2>

Even in last year, 2025, there were more than 1,000 cases. Moreover, like the US, in the UK too the rate of vaccination fell. It was reported by the BBC that vaccination rates were below 95% threshold required to achieve herd immunity. This is when enough people in a community have been vaccinated against the disease, so it is harder for the pathogen to spread. 

It was in 2017, when UK, for the first time, was declared measles free. However, it lost its status two years later. However, measles spread was halted completely in 2021, gaining its measles free status back. The key to elimination was social distancing during the pandemic.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-elimination-status-in-the-us-is-not-really-at-risk-cdc-says-as-cases-surge-article-153483239" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles Elimination Status In The US Is ‘Not Really’ At Risk, CDC Says As Cases Surge</a> 

<h2>Measles In UK: How Did It Lose Its Status?</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."

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, also known as rubeola, is an extremely contagious viral illness that typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.

Although it is preventable through the safe and effective MMR vaccine, measles remains a serious threat in many regions. There is no specific cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

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Measles, a disease once eliminated is making a come back. In the US, the disease has made a full-fledged come back and now the UK has also lost its measles elimination status. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this news based on the spread of cases in 2024, when there were 3,600 suspected cases. Elimination status means that there is no sustained transmission, this is why this decision was expected given the scale of outbreaks in 2024. Measles In UK: Cases Have Gone UpEven in last year, 2025, there were more than 1,000 cases. Moreover, like the US, in the UK too the rate of vaccination fell. It was reported by the BBC that vaccination rates were below 95% threshold required to achieve herd immunity. This is when enough people in a community have been vaccinated against the disease, so it is harder for the pathogen to spread. Measles Free UKIt was in 2017, when UK, for the first time, was declared measles free. However, it lost its status two years later. However, measles spread was halted completely in 2021, gaining its measles free status back. The key to elimination was social distancing during the pandemic.Also Read: Measles Elimination Status In The US Is ‘Not Really’ At Risk, CDC Says As Cases Surge Measles In UK: How Did It Lose Its Status?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."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. What Is Measles?Measles, also known as rubeola, is an extremely contagious viral illness that typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.Although it is preventable through the safe and effective MMR vaccine, measles remains a serious threat in many regions. There is no specific cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

uk loses measles elimination status: why is this disease making a comeback?

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