A recently published map highlights the resurgence of measles in England, a disease dating back to the Victorian era, following the UK’s loss of its elimination status. The World Health Organization (WHO) revoked this status due to the virus circulating for over a year without interruption.

The UK initially achieved measles-free status in 2017, only to lose it in 2019 before regaining it in 2021. However, outbreaks resurfaced in 2023 and grew more severe throughout 2024. England alone witnessed 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in 2024, marking the highest incidence since 2012. Both the WHO and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the re-establishment of endemic transmission, leading to the UK once again losing its measles elimination status.

Measles presents with symptoms such as high fever, cough, sneezing, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically develops after the initial signs. While the disease often improves after a week, it can have severe complications if it spreads to the lungs or brain. Infants and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

Since the beginning of 2025, England has reported 957 confirmed measles cases through laboratory testing. A significant number of these infections have occurred in unvaccinated children under the age of 10.

According to UKHSA data, Birmingham has reported more measles cases since 2023 than any other location in the country, with a total of 534 laboratory-confirmed cases. This includes 364 cases in 2024, when Birmingham became the epicenter of the outbreak, and 52 cases in the following year.

This resurgence coincides with a decade-low in vaccination rates across England. As of last summer, only 91.8% of five-year-olds had received the first dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), and just 83.7% had completed the recommended two doses.

WHO says a 95% vaccine coverage is needed to achieve “herd immunity”. But in some parts of the country, vaccination rates were much lower. In Birmingham, the centre of the 2024 outbreak, 75.5% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses.

From this year, the MMR jab has been replaced by the MMRV vaccine, which offers the same protection as MMR but also covers chickenpox.

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.

“Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. 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.”

List of top 10 measles hotspots (and number of cases since 2023)