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UK Measles No Longer Eliminated as Child Deaths Rise

6/12/2026

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Story summary
  • WHO declared the United Kingdom no longer has eliminated measles as coverage stalled.
  • England recorded two child deaths and 736 cases from 1 January to 8 June 2026.
  • Five-year-old vaccination coverage fell to 91.8 % in 2024-25, lowest since 2010-11.
  • Health Secretary James Murray urged parents to vaccinate with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • He noted most infections affect unvaccinated under-tens and some areas match Afghanistan and Malawi rates.