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Measles cases rise across England as families head into half term

Measles cases rise across England as families head into half term

New data shows a spike in measles cases, with experts urging parents to check MMR before school returns.

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Published: February 16, 2026 at 9:30 AM

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Measles cases are rising again in parts of England, with nearly 100 confirmed infections recorded in just the first few weeks of this year.

Health officials say outbreaks in London and the West Midlands are being driven largely by low vaccination rates, with most cases affecting children under 10. As families head into half term, experts are warning that classrooms and nurseries could see further spread if uptake does not improve.

Nearly 100 cases confirmed this year

According to the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA, there have been 96 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England so far in 2026.

More than a third of those, 34 cases, were recorded in Enfield in north London during January. Local health services described a “fast-spreading measles outbreak in several schools” across the borough, with infections confirmed in “at least” seven schools in Enfield and neighbouring Haringey.

In the West Midlands, 25 lab confirmed cases have been recorded so far this year. That compares to 76 cases in the region for the whole of 2025.

The UKHSA said: “Measles can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children. On rare occasions it can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.

“In a small number of cases measles can even be fatal.”

A local GP surgery in Enfield reported that one in five children who contracted measles during the outbreak had been admitted to hospital, all of whom “had not been fully immunised”.

Outbreaks mostly affecting unvaccinated children

Dr Vanessa Saliba from the UKHSA said the current “big” outbreak is “mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries”.

She said: “Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.”

She added that children who have missed doses should “catch up as soon as possible” to protect themselves and other children who are too young to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated for health reasons.

Vaccination rates in some areas remain well below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. In Enfield, just 64.3% of five year olds had received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024 to 2025. Across the UK, 84.4% of children had received two doses by their fifth birthday.

Last month, the World Health Organization confirmed the UK had lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks in 2024.

Why experts are urging parents to act now

With half term under way and children set to return to school soon, health leaders say this week offers a chance for families to check whether their children are fully protected.

Dr Ash Banerjee, from NHS England in the Midlands, said: “Half term offers a natural pause for families, which is a good opportunity to check whether vaccinations are up to date.

“With the new measles data, we want parents and carers to feel supported seeking advice about anything they're unsure of, including the new MMRV vaccine, which extends protection to include measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

“It’s never too late to get up to date on your MMR/MMRV or any other childhood vaccines, for the best protection.”

The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, and catch-up appointments are available through GP practices.

As children mix at holiday clubs, soft play and family gatherings this week, experts say checking vaccination records now could help limit further spread when term begins again.