Parents are being urged to check their children’s vaccinations as measles spreads across the country with hundreds of cases already recorded this year and fears of a fresh surge.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a “protect yourself and your little ones” warning, pointing families to new guidance on symptoms and vaccination amid growing concern over falling jab rates.
It comes as the latest figures show around 235 measles cases have already been confirmed in England in the first weeks of 2026, with infections now reported in every region.
Health officials say London accounts for the majority of cases, with further clusters in the West Midlands – and a recent outbreak in Enfield underlining how quickly the virus can spread in areas with low vaccination uptake.
Cases rising again after record highs
The latest surge follows a worrying recent trend. There were 2,911 laboratory-confirmed cases in England in 2024 -the highest annual total for decades – followed by 959 cases in 2025.
Now, with hundreds of cases already recorded in early 2026, experts warn the UK is facing a renewed resurgence of the disease.
Most infections are in unvaccinated children under the age of 10, with falling uptake of routine jabs blamed for giving the virus a chance to spread.
Vaccination rates are now well below the 95% level needed to prevent outbreaks and at their lowest point in a decade.
What measles looks like and why it spreads so easily
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world, spreading through coughs and sneezes.
It often starts like a cold, with:
- Runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Red, sore eyes
- Fever
- A distinctive rash follows a few days later, spreading across the body.
UKHSA says the virus has an R number of around 15, meaning one infected person could pass it to 15 others in a population without immunity.
People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
Serious complications and who is most at risk
While many recover within 7 to 10 days, measles can lead to serious complications.
These include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures and dehydration. In rare cases, it can cause long-term disability or death.
Babies, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
Health officials warn that catching measles during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or low birthweight.
New vaccine rollout and key advice for parents
From January 1, 2026, the routine childhood jab has been updated.
The MMRV vaccine – protecting against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox – has replaced the previous MMR jab for younger children.
- First dose at 12 months
- Second dose at 18 months
Older children and adults who missed out can still get the MMR vaccine free on the NHS.
Officials say two doses provide over 99% protection against measles and rubella.
School and travel advice
Parents are told children with mild cold symptoms can still attend school if they do not have a temperature but should stay at home and seek advice if measles is suspected.
Families are also being urged to check vaccinations before travelling abroad, as large outbreaks continue in countries with lower jab uptake.
UKHSA warned that declining vaccination rates are allowing measles to take hold once again.
Officials said: “Achieving high vaccination coverage across the population is important… to prevent large outbreaks of disease.”
Since the measles vaccine was introduced in 1968, the authorities estimate that more than 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.
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