A resurgence of measles — a disease once associated with Victorian Britain — is sweeping across England, with nearly 500 confirmed cases recorded so far in 2026. Figures from UK Health Security Agency show 477 laboratory-confirmed cases between January 1 and April 27, marking a sharp rise in infections and continuing a worrying trend seen in recent years.
The highly contagious illness, which spreads through coughs and sneezes, had been largely brought under control through vaccination programmes. However, declining uptake of the MMR jab has been linked to the recent resurgence. The latest data reveals that cases have climbed steadily since the start of the year. There were 106 infections in January, rising to 142 in February and 140 in March, before dropping slightly to 89 cases in April to date. Officials caution that April’s figure is likely to rise further due to reporting delays.
Children are bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Around two-thirds of all cases — 317 out of 477 — have been recorded in children aged 10 and under. A further 28 per cent have occurred in people 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, the highest number of infections has been recorded in Enfield, with 98 cases — 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 seen notable clusters.
Recent figures suggest the virus is continuing to spread. In the four weeks since March 30 alone, there have been 101 confirmed cases, though officials warn this is likely an underestimate due to delays in data reporting. London again accounted for the majority, with 66 % of these cases.
Despite the rapid spread, no deaths linked to measles have been reported in England so far this year.
The current surge follows a turbulent period for measles infections. In 2024, England recorded 2,911 confirmed cases — the highest annual total since 2012. Although numbers fell to 959 in 2025, the disease has not been eliminated and continues to circulate.
Health experts have long warned that measles can return quickly when vaccination rates fall below the threshold needed for herd immunity, typically around 95 % coverage. The disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, death.
The UKHSA has stressed that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection and limit outbreaks. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is offered to children in two doses but uptake has declined in some communities.
Officials also note that the data remains provisional and subject to revision. Case numbers may change as further testing is carried out and some suspected cases are either confirmed or ruled out.
The agency updates its measles surveillance data weekly during April, after which reporting will move to a fortnightly schedule. The next update is due on May 14.
Public health teams are continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly in areas with the highest transmission.
While there is no indication of fatalities so far this year, the scale and spread of infections underline the risk of a disease many had thought consigned to history making a sustained comeback.
