Deadly Measles Surge Sweeps England as Health Chiefs Urge Urgent Vaccinations

A health authority has sounded the alarm over a dramatic rise in one of the most infectious diseases, warning that measles is spreading faster than at any time in over a decade. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) says the illness is far more contagious than the common cold, COVID-19 and most other viral infections.

In a post on X, the agency urged parents and young people to check their vaccination status, reminding the public that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab is the only way to protect against the disease.

Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, meningitis and seizures.

The UKHSA spelled out just how fast it spreads. “Think the common cold spreads fast? Measles is nearly twice as contagious, and far more serious. Unlike a common cold, simple hygiene measures aren’t enough to slow its spread,” the agency said.

It explained that the reproduction rate of measles is 15, meaning that a single infected person could pass it on to 15 others. For comparison, the common cold has a rate of 8, mumps 7, norovirus 4.3, COVID-19 3 and flu just 1.7, reported My London.

Health officials are urging anyone who has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine to contact their GP and arrange a free vaccination. “The MMR vaccine is the best and safest way to avoid catching and spreading measles,” the agency stressed. “When most people are protected by vaccination, it’s harder for the disease to spread. Two doses of the MMR give protection for life.”

The warning comes as measles cases climb to their highest levels in more than ten years. UKHSA figures show 2,911 confirmed cases in England in 2024, the biggest annual total since 2012. And the numbers are continuing to rise. So far in 2025, England has reported 742 confirmed cases, up 68 on the previous update at the end of July.

Outbreaks began accelerating in April this year, with London and the North West hit hardest. The breakdown of cases by month shows the steady increase: 88 in January, 68 in February, 68 again in March, then a sharp rise to 108 in April and 131 in May. June and July each recorded 126 cases, and there have already been 27 in August.

Children have been most affected. Seven in ten cases this year have been in youngsters aged 10 and under, while nearly a quarter have been among teenagers and adults aged 15 and older.

Measles typically starts with a high temperature, coughing, sneezing and sore, red eyes before a rash appears. But the consequences can be much more severe if it is not treated quickly.

The illness can lead to blindness, pneumonia, meningitis and even death. Doctors say anyone who suspects they or their child may have measles should book an urgent GP appointment or call 111 straight away.