There have been 477 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England between January 1 and April 27, marking a sharp rise in infections
A resurgence of measles – a disease once synonymous with Victorian Britain – is sweeping across England, with nearly 500 confirmed cases logged so far in 2026.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported 477 laboratory-confirmed cases between January 1 and April 27, marking a significant increase in infections and continuing a concerning trend seen in recent years.
The highly infectious disease, which spreads through coughs and sneezes, had been largely contained through vaccination programmes.
However, a declining uptake of the MMR jab has been linked to the recent resurgence. The latest figures reveal that cases have steadily increased since the beginning of the year. There were 106 infections in January, rising to 142 in February and 140 in March, before slightly decreasing to 89 cases in April to date.
Officials warn that April’s figure is likely to rise further due to reporting delays.
Children are bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Approximately two-thirds of all cases – 317 out of 477 – have been recorded in children aged 10 and under. A further 28% have occurred in individuals aged 15 and over.
London has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 58% of all cases. The West Midlands follows with 23%, while the North West has recorded 8%. Every region in England has reported at least one case this year.
At a local level, Enfield has recorded the highest number of infections, with 98 cases – accounting for more than one in five of the national total. Birmingham has reported 74 cases, while Islington has confirmed 44. Other London boroughs, including Haringey, Camden, Barnet and Hackney, have also witnessed significant clusters, reports the Express.
Recent statistics indicate that the virus is still spreading. In the four weeks since March 30 alone, there have been 101 confirmed cases, although officials caution this is likely an underestimate due to delays in data reporting. London again made up the majority, with 66% of these cases.
Despite the swift spread, no deaths associated with measles have been reported in England so far this year.
The current surge follows a tumultuous period for measles infections. In 2024, England recorded 2,911 confirmed cases – the highest annual total since 2012. Although numbers dropped to 959 in 2025, the disease has not been eradicated and continues to circulate.
Health professionals have long cautioned that measles can make a rapid comeback when vaccination rates dip below the threshold needed for herd immunity, typically around 95 % coverage. The disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare instances, death.
The UKHSA has emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent infection and control outbreaks. The MMR vaccine, which safeguards against measles, mumps and rubella, is offered to children in two doses, but uptake has decreased in certain communities.
Officials have also pointed out that the data is still provisional and subject to revision. Case numbers may fluctuate as more testing is conducted and some suspected cases are either confirmed or dismissed.
The agency updates its measles surveillance data weekly during April, after which reporting will shift to a fortnightly schedule. The next update is expected on May 14.
Public health teams are persistently monitoring the situation, especially in areas with the highest transmission rates.
While there have been no reported fatalities so far this year, the extent and spread of infections highlight the risk of a disease many believed was relegated to history making a sustained return.
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