Everything you need to know about the five horror diseases making an unwelcome comeback, examining their status, risks, and the latest official guidance
Measles and other Victorian-era diseases are making a comeback. (Image: Getty)
Once-vanquished diseases are resurfacing across the UK, fuelled by declining vaccination rates, economic pressures, and social deprivation. From bustling cities to rural communities, these infections, more closely associated with the Victorian era, are back, prompting urgent public health campaigns.
Official data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals sharp rises in cases throughout 2024 and 2025, with thousands affected and some regions declaring outbreaks. Experts warn that without swift action, including boosted immunisation drives and policy interventions, the toll on vulnerable populations—particularly children—could escalate dramatically. Here’s everything you need to know about the five horror diseases making this unwelcome comeback, examining their status, risks, and the latest official guidance.
Measles outbreak affecting children confirmed in London
1. Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
The “Comeback” Status: In January 2026, the UK officially lost its “measles elimination” status for the second time in a decade. Over 2,900 cases were confirmed in 2024, the highest in decades, and outbreaks have persisted into early 2026.
The Official Word (March 2026): Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director at UKHSA, stated during the launch of the ‘Stay Strong, Get Vaccinated’ campaign: “Measles, whooping cough and other diseases spread quickly in unvaccinated children and can have devastating consequences. The NHS childhood vaccination programme offers the best protection to children against 13 diseases.”
Whooping cough cases rose by more than 1,600% in 2024. (Image: Getty / iStockphoto)
2. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Often called the “100-day cough,” this bacterial infection is particularly dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
The “Comeback” Status: Cases rose by over 1,600% in 2024. While numbers began to stabilise in 2025, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The Official Word (March 2024): Highlighting the urgency as cases first began to spike, Tricia Spedding, Regional Head of Public Health for NHS England, said: “Whooping cough can be a very serious illness in young babies… if you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated, please contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.”
Scabies is caused by mites. (Image: Getty)
3. Scabies
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites which burrow under the skin, causing an intense, itchy rash.
The “Comeback” Status: Diagnoses have remained consistently above the five-year average throughout 2024 and 2025. In late 2024, some regions reported “spikes” double the seasonal norm.
The Official Word (October 2024): Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), noted the impact of social stigma: “It is important that [patients] don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people – particularly if they are living in close proximity.”
Tuberculosis was commonplace in Victorian England. (Image: Getty)
4. Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It is often linked to social factors like overcrowding and deprivation.
The “Comeback” Status: TB notifications in England rose by 13.6% in 2024. Data from January 2026 shows cases have “stabilised” but remain at a high plateau of around 5,400 per year.
The Official Word (October 2025): Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, warned as the 2024 data was finalized: “TB is preventable and curable but, with rates increasing, it remains a serious public health issue. We must act fast to break transmission chains through rapid identification and treatment.”
Scurvy is caused by a vitamin deficiency. (Image: Getty)
5. Nutritional Deficiencies (Scurvy & Rickets)
These conditions, commonplace in the Victorian era are making a return as a direct result of food insecurity and the rising cost of living.
The “Comeback” Status: Hospital admissions for malnutrition and related deficiencies (Vitamin C and D) have risen significantly. In early 2026, the government began rolling out a national “Free Breakfast Club” programme to address these nutritional gaps.
The Official Word (2024/2025): Anna Taylor, Executive Director of The Food Foundation, frequently comments on the “Hungry 2020s.” Regarding the rise in preventable diet-related illness, she remarked: “What is so deeply troubling… is that they are largely preventable. No child needs to suffer in this way if they are simply able to have a basic right of access to healthy food.”
Recent Policy Changes
Due to these trends, the NHS implemented major changes on January 1, 2026:
MMRV Vaccine: Replaced the MMR jab to include protection against Chickenpox.
Eighteen-Month Check-up: A new routine appointment was added to the childhood schedule to ensure the second dose of MMRV is given earlier (moved up from age 3 years 4 months).
