Highly contagious disease that was ‘eliminated’ in UK now ‘re-established’
The UK has lost its “elimination” status for measles, according to global health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) grants measles elimination status to countries based on certain criteria.
The global health agency has confirmed a “resumption” of measles transmission in the UK in 2024. This follows a stagnation in vaccination rates and a dramatic rise in cases, with 3,681 infections recorded across the UK in 2024.
Between 2021 and 2023, the UK was deemed to have “eliminated” the disease.
Consultant epidemiologist at the United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), Dr. Vanessa Saliba warned: “Infections can quickly return when childhood vaccine uptake falls. “Elimination of measles is only possible if all eligible children receive two doses of MMRV before school.
“Older children and adults who miss vaccination need to be caught as soon as possible. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to make vaccination easier and support elimination targets.”
The latest UKHSA data for England reveals that around 91.9% of five-year-olds will receive a dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24 and representing the lowest figure since 2010/11.
Meanwhile, only 83.7% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses; This rate is down from 83.9% annually, marking the lowest level since 2009/10.
The World Health Organization recommends that at least 95% of children should be vaccinated against every disease to achieve herd immunity. In January, health authorities announced that young people in the UK would now be offered the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
A WHO spokesman said the UK’s change of status “reflects a broader issue” the organization faces across Europe.
They added: “Outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are threats to health security in Europe, alongside antimicrobial resistance and other emerging threats.
“Persistent immunity gaps have led to a region-wide resurgence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in 2024 and a decline in the number of countries achieving or maintaining measles elimination status.
“Through strengthened surveillance, improved outbreak response, and focused efforts to reach undervaccinated communities, all countries can achieve and sustain elimination.”
