Measles outbreak: Two children die as health chiefs issue urgent warning to Britons

Two children have lost their lives to measles in England during 2026, according to health officials who warn the disease remains widespread across the country.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that cases continue to rise at an alarming pace, with 736 infections recorded so far this year.

This figure is particularly concerning given that the total for the entire previous year stood at 959 cases.

Ongoing outbreaks have prompted renewed calls from public health authorities for parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine, which protects against the highly contagious illness.

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The outbreaks have been concentrated in London and the West Midlands, with the majority of infections occurring among children aged 10 and younger who had not been vaccinated.

According to the UKHSA, one of the fatalities resulted from acute measles infection, while the second child's death was attributed to the late effects of the disease.

Measles spreads particularly quickly among those who have not received full vaccination, and while most patients recover, the illness can trigger severe complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.

In the most serious instances, the disease can cause lasting disability or prove fatal. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country and as we have seen, it can be very serious and even fatal."

She urged all parents to ensure their children are up to date with MMR or MMRV vaccines, describing them as "the best and safest protection against measles, which can spread very easily."

Dr Saliba highlighted that catch-up vaccinations are available through GP surgeries for anyone who has missed their jabs, regardless of age.

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"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," she added.

Dr Saliba urged parents not to delay, encouraging anyone whose child is not up to date to book an appointment immediately.

Health Secretary James Murray said: "These deaths are a heartbreaking reminder that measles is not a harmless childhood illness."

He stressed that the disease can lead to fatal complications and that the MMR vaccine, which has saved countless lives, remains the most effective defence against this highly infectious illness.

The latest vaccination figures reveal that just 91.8 per cent of five-year-olds in England received their first MMR dose in 2024/25, unchanged from the previous year and representing the lowest uptake since 2010/11.

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