Two children die from measles in England amid rising cases

England has recorded the deaths of two children due to measles, marking a grim milestone in the resurgence of the preventable disease. One child succumbed to acute measles, while the other's death was linked to the long-term complications of the illness, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

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One child died from 'acute measles,' and the other child's death was linked to 'the late effects of measles.'

The UKHSA highlighted that recent measles outbreaks are concentrated in London and the West Midlands, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10. Over 100 new measles cases have been confirmed across England in the last two weeks alone. This surge underscores the growing concern over declining vaccination rates.

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Measles continues to spread in many parts of the country, and the disease can be very serious and even fatal.

Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated that measles continues to spread in many parts of the country and can be severe, even fatal. She urged all parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up-to-date, describing the MMR vaccine as the best and safest protection against measles. Health Minister James Murray called the deaths a "heartbreaking reminder" that measles is not a harmless childhood illness and can lead to serious, life-threatening complications.

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I urge all parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up-to-date, as these vaccines provide the best and safest protection against measles.

Despite these warnings, the MMR vaccination rate in England remains below the World Health Organization's target of 95%. Current national statistics show that only 88.9% of children receive their first dose by age two, and 83.7% of five-year-olds have received both recommended doses. This gap in vaccination coverage has contributed to the current outbreak, with 736 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported this year so far, exceeding the 959 cases reported throughout all of 2025.

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These deaths are a 'heartbreaking reminder' that measles is not a harmless childhood illness.