More than 80 measles cases have been confirmed in Birmingham so far this year, with infections spreading across various regions as depicted in our interactive map.
According to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 1,003 cases of measles in 2026, already exceeding the 960 cases reported throughout 2025. This resurgence follows a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates in recent years.
Tragically, two young children died from measles-related complications in June, followed by the death of an adult with an underlying health condition in July. While the monthly number of new cases has decreased recently, the virus has circulated across at least 25 council areas in England and Wales, each reporting at least ten laboratory-confirmed infections.
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The outbreak has been most pronounced in London, with Enfield recording 111 confirmed cases, and in the West Midlands, where Birmingham has seen 81 cases. Other clusters have been identified in Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Kent, and Essex.
UKHSA data only specifies outbreak locations once a minimum of ten lab-confirmed cases occurs, so over 200 cases remain unassigned to specific areas, suggesting wider spread than officially recorded.
Most infections this year have been among unvaccinated children under the age of ten. Cases peaked in May with 215 lab-confirmed infections, before falling to 154 in June, 50 in July, and 29 in August.
Measles had previously been eliminated in the UK, but outbreaks resumed in 2023, intensifying in 2024 when England alone reported 2,911 confirmed cases - the highest yearly total since 2012.
Recent figures indicate vaccination uptake may be stabilising. Over 90% of five-year-olds in England have received at least one dose of the MMRV vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. Additionally, 83.8% have received both doses, a slight improvement from 2025.
However, the World Health Organization advises that a 95% vaccination coverage is necessary to achieve herd immunity. Many areas, including Enfield, fall short of this target; in Enfield, only about 60% of children have received both MMR doses by their fifth birthday.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, commented: “The outbreak in Enfield that began in February and spread to other parts of London and the West Midlands was responsible for most measles cases in the first half of this year. Thankfully, cases have declined in recent weeks.
“The decade-long decline in MMR vaccine uptake in England is very concerning and has led to the resurgence of measles since late 2023. Measles is highly infectious and can quickly affect unvaccinated individuals, so complacency is not an option.
“Receiving two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine is the most effective way to protect children from a disease that can require hospitalisation and cause serious long-term health issues, and, though rare, death. Vaccinating your child also helps protect vulnerable individuals such as infants under one year old and people with health conditions.
“To stop future outbreaks, children across all communities must receive two doses before starting school. Older children and adults can catch up on missed vaccinations at their GP regardless of age.
“The NHS is facilitating easier access to vaccinations, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at an 18-month appointment to improve uptake and help eliminate measles, so no child must suffer the disease or its complications.”
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, and a rash appearing after initial symptoms. While the illness often improves within a week, it can lead to serious complications if it spreads to the lungs or brain, especially in babies and individuals with weakened immune systems.