UKHSA reports two measles deaths this year

Measles cases continued to rise in the first half of this year, with two deaths of children reported in England.

Measles (c) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Measles (c) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

The latest figures covering the period between 1 January 2026 and 8 June 2026 show an increase of 106 cases since the last report on 25 May 2026.

There were a total 736 cases, mainly due to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025, with the majority in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. 

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.'

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