Two measles deaths reported in children this year, as national figures published by UKHSA

Two measles deaths in children have been reported so far this year, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) publishes the latest measles data for England.

The new data shows that in addition to the two deaths, 736 confirmed cases of measles have been recorded in England since 1 January 2026 compared to 959 for the whole of 2025.

The report states that one of the children’s deaths was caused by acute measles, while the other child’s death was due to the late effects of measles.

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Health Secretary James Murray said: ‘My thoughts are with the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss. 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.

‘I urge all parents and carers to check that their children are up to date with their vaccinations as it is never too late to catch up – even if you miss a dose.

‘By ensuring our children are vaccinated, we not only protect them but also help safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities.’

The UKHSA report highlighted that measles activity increased earlier this year, mainly due to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, with the majority of cases reported in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under.

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Since the start of the year, case caseloads have consistently increased each month with 106 cases being recorded in January and 182 report in May. In the past two weeks alone, a further 106 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported in England.

In the most recent four weeks of activity, London has accounted for the highest proportion of confirmed cases, followed by the East of England and the West Midlands.

Case numbers are expected to rise, however, as more suspected cases are currently undergoing confirmatory testing.

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While cases are on track to overtake figures from 2025, there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in 2024 – the highest number of cases recorded annually, since 2012.

As a result of cases numbers in 2024 and the re-establishment of endemic transmission, the World Health Organization revoked the UK’s measles elimination status earlier this year.