Two children in England have died from measles, health officials say, as data shows more than 100 new reported cases in the last fortnight.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Thursday that two children had died this year, one from “acute measles” and the other from the “late effects of measles”.
A senior public health source told the Guardian it was the first time two children had died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018.
UKHSA said measles continued to circulate in many parts of the country. In the last month, cases have been highest in London, the east of England and the West Midlands, it said.
Since the last update two weeks ago, a further 106 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported in England, bringing the total cases confirmed between 1 January and 8 June to 736 – compared with 959 cases for the whole of 2025.
Most cases were among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, UKHSA said.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a 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.”
In February, MPs and health experts told the Guardian children were being put at risk of measles because the NHS was “clearly failing” to ensure they got the MMR vaccine.
Calls have increased for major reform of how MMR jabs are delivered, as it emerged that vaccination rates in some parts of England are now on a par with those in Afghanistan and Malawi.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can easily spread among people who are not fully vaccinated. While many recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.
In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the UK was no longer considered to have eliminated measles, after vaccination coverage stalled and cases increased.
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.
James Murray, the health secretary, said his thoughts were with the families who had suffered 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.”
