New interactive map shows London boroughs with the highest measles infections

More than 2,000 people – including 1,200 children – have been infected with measles since the current outbreak of the once-eradicated disease began. Seven boroughs in London have had more than 70 infections.

The World Health Organization declared the UK had eliminated measles in 2016 thanks to the success of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. But just two years later, that status was removed after a surge in cases.

Now – after vaccination rates have fallen across the country – England is facing its biggest measles outbreak in more than a decade.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 2,049 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles since the current outbreak began in October in Birmingham.

Most of these cases (63 percent or 1,283) occurred in children 10 years of age or younger. Another 30 percent occurred in youth and adults 15 years of age or older (614 cases).

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London has had more confirmed cases than any other region, with 740, followed by the West Midlands (663) and the East Midlands (176).

Separate figures show the UKHSA received notifications of 736 suspected measles cases from GPs in England and Wales last month alone.

These are alerts that GPs are required to send to the UKHSA every time they diagnose a case they believe to be measles.

Although these cases have not been laboratory confirmed, they show suspected infections in council areas and could provide an early warning of potential outbreaks.

Since last October, the UKHSA has received reports of just under 7,000 suspected cases in England, plus a further 500 in Wales.

Based on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases since October, about 30% are likely to test positive for measles.

The figures show that Birmingham – where the current outbreak began – has had the highest number of suspected cases since October, with 439, including 14 in June. It is next in line for Manchester, with 160, and then Wandsworth and Leicester, with 149 each.

But the London borough of Lambeth had the highest number of suspected cases last month with 20, followed by Wandsworth, also in London, with 19, and then Coventry, with 16.

You can see suspected cases near you with our interactive map

The main symptoms of measles include high fever, coughing, sneezing, red, watery and painful eyes, and a rash that usually appears after the initial symptoms.

The UKHSA blames the spread of the disease since October on low uptake of the MMR vaccine in parts of the country. In England, 92.5% of children had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in 2022-23, down from 93.4% the previous year and below the national target of 95.5%. Only 84.5% had received both doses. The World Health Organization has said coverage needs to be 95% or higher to achieve population-level immunity.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKSHA said: “This year in England we have seen a sharp rise in measles cases, seeing the highest number of cases reported in over a decade. London has been particularly impacted in recent months, with the majority of cases in unvaccinated children under the age of 10.

“The MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles. Measles is preventable, but thousands of children across the country are still not fully vaccinated and may be at risk for serious illness or lifelong complications. No parent wants that for their child.”

“Just one case of measles in a community with low vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks, especially in schools and daycares. Parents should check their children’s Red Book now to make sure their children are up to date with MMR and other routine vaccinations. If you’re not sure, contact your doctor to check. Your doctor can offer the vaccinations your child needs to make sure he or she is protected.”