Two children die from measles in England, UKHSA reports
8 reported
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported on Thursday that two children in England have died from measles this year, one from acute measles and the other from late effects of the disease. A senior public health source told the Guardian it is the first time two children have died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018. UKHSA data shows 106 new laboratory-confirmed cases in the last fortnight, bringing the total from January 1 to June 8 to 736, compared to 959 cases for all of 2025. Most cases were among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under. Measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country, with highest cases in London, the east of England, and the West Midlands. Health officials and the health secretary urged parents to ensure children are up to date with MMR or MMRV vaccines.
What’s reported
Two children in England died from measles this year, one from acute measles and the other from late effects of measles.
A senior public health source told the Guardian it is the first time two children have died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018.
UKHSA reported 106 new laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the last fortnight.
Total cases from January 1 to June 8 are 736, compared to 959 cases for all of 2025.
Most cases were among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.
Measles cases were highest in London, the east of England, and the West Midlands.
91.8% of five-year-olds had received one dose of MMR vaccine in England in 2024-25, unchanged from 2023-24 and the lowest level since 2010-11.
In January, the World Health Organization said the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
Key figures
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA
James Murray, health secretary
A senior public health source (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
