Britain has lost its measles-free status after a surge in cases and plummeting vaccine rates, with WHO warning transmission is now “re-established” across the UK in 2024
Britain has been stripped of its measles elimination status following a dramatic comeback of the highly infectious disease, the World Health Organisation has confirmed. The global health watchdog declared that transmission of the contagious illness had become “re-established” across the UK throughout 2024.
This alarming development follows stagnating vaccination rates and a devastating spike in infections, with 3,681 cases documented across Britain in 2024. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, warned: “Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls. Measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school.
“Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up.
“The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.” Between 2021 and 2023, the UK had proudly maintained its “eliminated” status for the disease, reports the Express.
Fresh statistics for England from the UKHSA reveal that during 2024/25, merely 91.9% of five year olds received their first MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination dose.
The number has been left unchanged from 2023/24 and represents the poorest coverage since 2010/11.
Even more concerning, only 83.7% of five year olds completed both MMR doses. This number has been dropping from the previous year’s 83.9% and marking the weakest performance since 2009/10.
The WHO insists that a minimum of 95% of children must receive vaccination doses for each disease to establish herd immunity.
Measles typically begins with cold-like signs before a distinctive rash emerges several days afterwards.
Warning signs encompass an elevated temperature, congested or runny nose, sneezing fits, persistent coughing and inflamed, painful or weepy eyes.
The characteristic measles rash generally appears initially on the face and around the ears before spreading across the entire body.
Mild instances can often be managed at home through adequate rest, proper hydration and pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
In severe circumstances, the condition may trigger serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis, loss of sight and fits.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.