The latest number of laboratory confirmed measles cases in England have been published by the UKHSA in an updated epidemiological overview.
From 1 October 2023, there have been 347 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England, with 127 of these cases confirmed in January 2024.
75% (260/347) of these cases have been in the West Midlands, 13% (46/347) in London and 7% (24/347) in Yorkshire and The Humber.
The majority (233/347, 67%) of these cases are in children under the age of 10 and 24% (85/347) in young people and adults over the age of 15.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said:
The ongoing measles outbreak in the West Midlands remains a concern. MMR vaccine coverage has been falling for the last decade with 1 out of 10 children starting school in England not protected and so there is a real risk that this outbreak could spread to other towns and cities.
Measles is a nasty illness for most children and for some can be serious, but it is completely preventable. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. If you or your child are not up to date with your two doses of MMR vaccine please contact your GP to catch-up now.
The data published in this epidemiological overview covers the dates between 1 October, 2023 and 23 January, 2024 and is currently provisional. Updates will be published every Thursday going forward.
