Two children die as measles spreads with hundreds of cases in London so far this year
Two children have died in England from measles this year, with 404 confirmed cases in London alone, accounting for 55% of the national total. Most infections involve unvaccinated children under ten, particularly in North London boroughs like Enfield, Haringey, and Islington, where vaccination rates remain low.
Two children have died in England from measles in 2026, with one fatality attributed to 'acute measles' and the other to 'late effects of measles,' according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). London has reported 404 confirmed cases so far this year, representing 55% of England’s total 736 cases, though health experts warn the actual number is higher due to underreporting. The outbreak is concentrated in unvaccinated children under ten, particularly in North London boroughs including Enfield (111 cases), Haringey (49), and Islington (49). Enfield was also the epicenter of an earlier outbreak in 2026, while Birmingham follows with 79 cases. Eight of the twelve local authorities with the highest case counts are in London, including Barnet (18 cases), Camden (18), Brent (15), and Harrow (15). Measles symptoms begin like a cold, with a runny nose, cough, fever, and sore red eyes, followed by a rash spreading across the body. The virus can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, long-term disability, or death, though most recover. Health Secretary James Murray described the deaths as 'a heartbreaking reminder' that measles is not a harmless illness. Vaccination rates for the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine among five-year-olds in England stood at 91.8% in 2024/25, the lowest level since 2010/11. UKHSA’s Dr. Vanessa Saliba urged parents to ensure children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, emphasizing that vaccination protects not only individuals but also vulnerable groups like infants too young for vaccination or those with health conditions preventing immunization. Public health experts, including Professor Helen Bedford of Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, noted that outbreaks are most severe in areas with the lowest vaccine uptake, particularly in London districts. Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine stressed the need for immediate catch-up vaccinations for undervaccinated children and equitable access to immunization services.
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