Health authorities have issued an urgent plea for families in the West Midlands to get the MMR jab following a significant rise in measles cases, with a concerning outbreak among adults in Worcestershire.
Rising Case Numbers Across England
In the year to June 8, a total of 736 measles cases were recorded in England, resulting in two child deaths. This compares to 959 cases for the whole of 2025. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that nearly 20 per cent of cases diagnosed in 2026 so far were in the West Midlands, highlighting a worrying concentration in the region.
Child Deaths Prompt Urgent Action
Of the two child deaths, one was attributed to acute measles and the other to late effects of the disease. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed condolences to the families and stressed the seriousness of measles, which can be fatal. She urged all parents to ensure their children are up to date with MMR or MMRV vaccines, which offer the best protection against the highly contagious virus.
West Midlands Figures
The West Midlands accounted for 136 of the 736 diagnosed cases in England so far this year, representing 18 per cent of the national total. Birmingham recorded 79 cases, or 11 per cent. In the four weeks to June 8, diagnoses were highest in London, the East of England, and the West Midlands, with 16 cases in Worcestershire between May 11 and June 8.
Adults Affected in Worcestershire Outbreak
While most cases involved unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, the UKHSA noted that adults were primarily affected in the recent outbreak in Worcestershire. Emma Booth, consultant in health protection at UKHSA West Midlands, warned that measles does not only affect children and urged anyone unvaccinated to get two doses of the MMR vaccine as soon as possible.
Government and Health Officials Respond
Health Secretary James Murray expressed condolences to the families and emphasised that measles is not a harmless childhood illness. He urged all parents and carers to check their children's vaccination status and catch up on missed doses. The World Health Organisation had earlier declared that the UK no longer had eliminated measles due to stagnating vaccination rates and rising cases.
Vaccination Rates at Lowest Level
Latest data shows that 91.8 per cent of five-year-olds in England received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25, unchanged from the previous year and the lowest level since 2010/11. The MMR vaccine is safe, free, and can be given at any age. A pork-free version, Priorix, is available for those who do not consume pork products.
Symptoms and Precautions
Early signs of measles include high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms. Anyone suspecting measles should contact NHS 111 or their GP surgery, calling ahead to inform them of the possibility. Infected individuals should stay away from nursery, school, university, work, or group activities for at least four days after the rash appears to prevent spreading the virus.
