LONDON, June 11 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published thelatest measlesdatawhichshowsthatmeasles continues to circulatein many parts of the country.

Measles activity increasedearlierthis year,mainlyduetooutbreaks in London and the West Midlands, withthe majority ofcases inunvaccinatedchildren aged 10 years and under.

Since the last update 2 weeks ago, a further106laboratoryconfirmed measles cases have been reported in England, bringing the total number of confirmed cases between1Januaryand8June2026to736,compared to 959cases forthe whole of 2025. In the mostrecent4 weeks,activity has beenhighest in London, theEastofEnglandandtheWestMidlands.

Sadly, to date in 2026,therehavebeen 2 measles deaths inchildrenin England.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:

Ourthoughts and condolences are withthe families who have so tragically lost theirchildren.Measlescontinuestocirculateinmany parts of thecountryand as we haveseenitcanbevery seriousandeven fatal.

We urge all parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR or MMRV vaccines, giving them the best and safest protection against measles - which can spreadveryeasily.Anyone who hasmissed out ontheirmeasles vaccinescancatch-upthrough their GP practice whatever their age.

Getting vaccinated also helpsprotectbabies who aretoo youngto be vaccinatedand peopleunable to have the vaccine due to a health condition. Pleasedon'tdelayandif you or your childarenot up to date,book anappointment today.

Health Secretary James Murray said:

My thoughts are with the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss. These deaths are a heartbreaking reminder that measles is not a harmless childhood illness.

Measles can lead to serious complications that can be fatal, and the MMR vaccine, whichhassaved countless lives,remainsthe best protection we have against this highly infectious disease.

I urge all parents and carers to check that their children are up to date with their vaccinations as it is never too late to catch up - even if you miss a dose. By ensuring our children are vaccinated, we not only protect them but also help safeguard themost vulnerable in our communities.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.