The World Health Organisation says transmission has been re-established.
The UK has lost its measles elimination status after a resurgence of cases, the World Health Organisation has announced. The global health body said transmission of the highly contagious infection had been “re-established” in the UK in 2024. It comes after a plateau in vaccination coverage and a surge in cases, with 3,681 recorded in the UK in 2024.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, said: “Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls. Measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school. Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.”
Parents are being urged to ensure children are up to date with jabs (Image: Getty)
From 2021 to 2023 the UK was considered to have “eliminated” the disease.
The latest figures for England from the UKHSA show that in 2024/25 some 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest level since 2010/11.
And just 83.7% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses, down year-on-year from 83.9% and the lowest level since 2009/10.
The WHO recommends at least 95% of children should receive vaccine doses for each illness to achieve herd immunity.
Measles usually causes cold-like symptoms followed by a rash a few days later. Symptoms include a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, sore or watery eyes.
The measles rash typically starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
Some cases can be treated at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen.
In serious cases, it can lead to complications including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.
