Measles cases are increasing across England, prompting the UKHSA to launch a national incident response and issue updated guidance for health and care services.
Cases have been rising since 2023. There were nearly 3,000 confirmed cases in 2024 and almost 1,000 in 2025. Most cases are in unvaccinated children under 10. The UK has also now lost its measles elimination status. Outbreaks are currently being seen in areas including North London and Birmingham.
For infection prevention teams, this is a clear reminder that measles spreads very easily and can move quickly through healthcare settings if controls are not strong.
A major reason for the rise in cases is low vaccine uptake. The MMR/MMRV vaccine coverage is below the 95% needed to stop outbreaks. There are also big differences in uptake between communities, with lower rates in more deprived areas and in some underserved groups, including people not registered with a GP and some non-English speaking families.
To help improve protection, a new childhood vaccine schedule is now in place. Children now receive a combined vaccine that also protects against chickenpox (MMRV), and the second dose is given earlier at 18 months.
Measles is spreading again because vaccination levels are too low. Infection prevention teams play a key role in spotting cases early, stopping spread in healthcare settings, protecting staff, and supporting vaccination efforts to control outbreaks.
