Key Summary
- The UKHSA has warned of escalating measles transmission.
- Their latest report shows 106 additional confirmed infections since the previous update.
- London, the East of England and the West Midlands are worst affected.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of rising measles transmission in parts of the country in their latest case data.
Laboratory reports show 106 additional confirmed infections since the previous update, bringing England’s total for the year to 736 cases between 1 January and 8 June - against 959 confirmed cases during all of 2025. Recent weeks have seen the most activity in London, the East of England and the West Midlands.
Health officials say the upsurge is largely attributable to outbreaks concentrated in London and the West Midlands, and that most infections are occurring among unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under.
In 2026, there have been two measles deaths in children in England.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, offered condolences to the bereaved families and warned that measles remains widespread in many areas and can be life‑threatening.
She urged parents to ensure their children have received their MMR or MMRV vaccinations, calling immunisation the safest and most effective defence against measles’ easy spread.
Dr Saliba added that anyone who has missed vaccinations can catch up through their GP regardless of age, and that vaccinating helps protect babies too young to be immunised and people who cannot receive the vaccine for health reasons.
