Since January, 420 lab-confirmed measles cases have been reported in England
Gabriel Shepard Assistant Head of Print
16:11, 09 Jun 2025
Viral disease. Measles rash on the body of the child. Allergy.
Bristol has seen the greatest number of measles cases in the country so far this year.
The UK Health Security Agency has urged parents to ensure their youngsters are vaccinated against the “highly infectious” disease as cases continue to rise in England.
The UKHSA confirmed 109 cases of the disease in April and 86 so far in May. Unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under have been the worst hit.
Since January, 420 lab-confirmed measles cases have been reported in England.
Of council areas, Bristol has seen the highest number of cases, with 47 so far this year, followed by Leeds (29), the London borough of Newham (23), and Essex (22).
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “Tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations were delivered following NHS action last year to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and the recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected.
“Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems.
“MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child’s vaccination.”
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious or life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, meningitis or blindness, according to the NHS.
Measles cases in Europe doubled in 2024 compared to the year before, with 127,350 reported cases. This is also the highest number since 1997.
A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “Measles is circulating in Bristol and we’re at risk of an outbreak of this dangerous disease due to low MMR vaccination rates.
“Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. It can be a very unpleasant illness and in some children can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation. In rare cases it can cause death. Vaccines are our best line of defence against diseases like measles and help stop outbreaks.
“We’re calling on all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their 2 MMR doses. To see if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s personal child health record, known as the red book, or contact your GP practice.”