Two children in England have died from measles this year, health officials have confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that one child died from acute measles, while another child’s death was linked to the late effects of measles.
The news comes as measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country. So far this year there have been 736 cases compared with 959 cases for the whole of 2025, new figures show.
The UKHSA said that in the last month cases have been confirmed in London, the East of England and the West Midlands.
Many of the cases have been linked to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, and the majority of cases are among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families who have so tragically lost their children.
“Measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country and as we have seen it can be very serious and even fatal.
“We urge all parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, giving them the best and safest protection against measles – which can spread very easily.
“Anyone who has missed out on their measles vaccines can catch up through their GP practice whatever their age.
“Getting vaccinated also helps protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated and people unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition.
“Please don’t delay and if you or your child are not up to date, book an appointment today.”
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.”
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated.
While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.
Earlier this year the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
The announcement in January follows a plateau in vaccination coverage and a surge in cases.
The latest data shows that 91.8% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in England in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest level since 2010/11.
Symptoms of measles include:
- A high temperature
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips
- A rash that starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body
Commenting on the figures, Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The data indicates a persistence of undervaccination and risk of measles spread in urban areas like London.
“The immediate priority now is to ensure timely catch-up of undervaccinated children, and that school-age children are brought up to schedule as efficiently as possible with equitable pathways to vaccination through enhanced access.
“This is essential to avoid outbreaks in schools, and so that children can look forward to their summers free from the risk of being infected – or hospitalised.”
Helen Bedford, professor of child public health at Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, said: “Over the past three years we have seen outbreaks of measles in England, with over 700 cases in the first five months of this year alone.
“This compares with almost 1,000 cases in the whole of 2025.
“There have been measles cases in all areas, but the largest numbers are in areas with lowest vaccine uptake, particularly in London districts.
“I am so very sorry to hear that two children have died from measles this year.
“This underlines how severe measles can be and the importance of vaccination.
“We are seeing cases of measles all around the country; measles is highly infectious and spreads very quickly and MMR vaccine is the only effective way to stop this spread.”
