Two children die from measles as England reports 100 new cases in fortnight
Two children in England have died from measles in 2024, marking the first time two measles deaths have occurred in a single year since 2018, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Over 100 new laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the last two weeks, with 736 total cases confirmed between January and June, predominantly among unvaccinated children under 10. The deaths underscore the severity of measles and highlight concerns about declining vaccination rates, with MMR coverage at 91.8% of five-year-olds—the lowest level since 2010-11.
Two children in England have died from measles in 2024, with one death attributed to acute measles and the other to late effects of the disease, according to the UK Health Security Agency. This marks the first time two children have died from measles in a single year in England and Wales since 2018. Over the last fortnight, 106 new laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, bringing the total to 736 cases between January 8 and June 8, compared with 959 cases for the entire year 2025. Most cases occur among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, with highest concentrations in London, the east of England, and the West Midlands. The outbreak reflects broader vaccination coverage concerns: only 91.8% of five-year-olds received one MMR dose in 2024-25, unchanged from the previous year and the lowest rate since 2010-11. In January, the World Health Organization stated the UK was no longer considered to have eliminated measles due to stalled vaccination coverage and rising cases.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
Two children die from measles as England data shows 100 new infections
Two children die from measles as England data shows 100 new infections
- Mirage NewsCenter
2026 Measles Report: Two Deaths Confirmed
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