Health officials are raising alarms over a rise in measles cases across parts of South West England, with Bristol recording the highest number of infections so far this year. The ongoing concern stems from unvaccinated British travelers contracting measles abroad and inadvertently spreading the disease upon their return.
England experienced its largest measles outbreak in over a decade last year, mirroring a global increase in cases, including across Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the situation may escalate again this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries experiencing outbreaks.
Since the start of 2024, there have been 420 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England, including 109 in April and 86 in May. Children aged 10 and under account for two-thirds (66%) of these cases, though young people and adults have also been affected. Regionally, London has the highest proportion of cases (39%), followed by the North West (25%) and the West Midlands (11%). Looking at council areas, Bristol stands out with 47 cases recorded, followed by Leeds (29), Newham in London (23), and Essex (22).
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The introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968 has been pivotal, with UKHSA estimating it has prevented at least 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths in the UK. Nonetheless, vaccination hesitancy has contributed to rising case numbers; last year saw 2,911 confirmed cases—the highest annual figure since 2012. The surge initially centered around Birmingham but was later eclipsed by outbreaks in London and other regions.
On a wider scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and UNICEF have reported 127,350 measles cases in the European region for 2024—double the number in 2023 and the largest since 1997.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized the severity of measles: “Measles spreads very easily and can cause serious complications like ear and chest infections, brain inflammation, and sometimes life-long consequences requiring hospitalization. Vaccination is the best defense to protect children and the wider community.”
Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, added: “It is vital that babies and young children receive their MMR vaccinations to prevent these highly contagious infections. The MMR jabs are free through the NHS immunisation program, and parents should ensure their children are up to date.”
Typically, the first MMR vaccine dose is given at one year old, with a second dose administered around the age of three years and four months. About 99% of individuals who receive both doses gain protection against measles and rubella, while mumps protection is slightly lower but still provides significant defense against severe illness.
Anyone who has missed their two doses is encouraged to contact their GP to arrange vaccination—it’s never too late to be protected.