Measles Resurgence in England: 736 Cases Recorded in First Half of 2026
Two child deaths reported as WHO reclassifies UK as a country where measles is no longer eliminated
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in measles activity across England in 2026, with 736 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded between January 1 and June 8. Two deaths of children have been reported during this period.
This rise follows a broader trend of declining childhood MMR vaccination rates, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to reclassify the United Kingdom as a country where measles is no longer eliminated.
Measles Activity and Trends
The UKHSA reported that for the first half of 2026 (January 1 to June 8), there were 736 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England. This figure is compared to 959 cases reported for the entirety of 2025.
In the most recent four-week period (mid-May to mid-June 2026), activity was highest in London, the East of England, and the West Midlands.
Two measles-related deaths in children have been recorded in England so far in 2026.
Vaccination Rates and WHO Status
The United Kingdom has been reclassified by the World Health Organization as a country where measles is re-established. The UK had previously held measles-free (elimination) status between 2021 and 2023.
The WHO cited an increase in cases and a decline in childhood MMR vaccination coverage as factors in this decision.
- The WHO recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella.
- In England, the proportion of five-year-olds who received their first MMR dose declined from 91.9% in 2015-16 to 88.9% in 2024-25.
- The proportion of five-year-olds receiving the recommended second MMR dose fell from a peak of 88.2% in 2015-16 to 83.7% in 2024-25, the lowest level since 2009-10.
Local Outbreaks
An outbreak in Enfield, north London, has affected over 60 children across seven schools and one nursery. Some children required hospitalization.
The MMR vaccination rate in Enfield is 64.3%, which is below the World Health Organization's 95% target.
Responses and Proposed Actions
Health Authorities
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated that measles can be serious and fatal. She urged parents to ensure children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, noting that missed vaccinations can be obtained through GP practices.
Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield's Director of Public Health, described the outbreak as a serious risk to the wider capital, noting that London's vaccination uptake rates are among the lowest in the country.
Medical and Public Health Professionals
Prof Steve Turner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, suggested that allowing pharmacists to deliver MMR vaccines would make it easier for families to get their children vaccinated.
Dr. Helen Stewart of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health stated that policy failures contribute to the measles resurgence, noting that many families face challenges accessing appointments.
Prof Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, warned of a real risk of further measles spread in communities with less than 95% vaccination coverage and predicted cyclical outbreaks if susceptibility re-accumulates.
"Many families face challenges accessing appointments." — Dr. Helen Stewart
Helen Bedford, a vaccination expert at University College London, stated that pharmacies could assist existing NHS efforts, particularly as some schools do not participate in catch-up campaigns.
Political Figures
Ben Coleman, a Labour MP on the Commons health and social care select committee, stated that the current system's failure puts children at risk and suggested pharmacies are an underutilized resource.
Government and Organizations
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) emphasized the importance of MMR vaccination and launched a campaign encouraging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccinations.
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, indicated that the declining uptake signifies a need for urgent review and a broader health service approach.
Opposition from some GPs regarding pharmacies being paid for a role traditionally performed by family doctors has been noted as a potential challenge.