Two children die from measles following outbreaks

Two children in England have died from measles this year, with the disease continuing to circulate in many parts of the country, health officials have said.

Many of the cases have been linked to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, and were mainly found among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one child died from "acute measles" and another child's death was linked to the "late effects of measles".

There have been 736 cases so far this year compared with 959 cases for the whole of 2025, new figures show.

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.

"We urge all parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, giving them the best and safest protection against measles – which can spread very easily."

She added: "Anyone who has missed out on their measles vaccines can catch up through their GP practice whatever their age.

"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.

"Please don't delay and if you or your child are not up to date, book an appointment today."

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

"Measles can lead to serious complications that can be fatal, and the MMR vaccine, which has saved countless lives, remains the best protection we have against this highly infectious disease."

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated.

While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.

The latest data shows that 91.8% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in England in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest level since 2010/11.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk