NEWS FOCUS

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called for more people to be vaccinated against measles, as fresh cases continue to be recorded across the country.

There have been 57 confirmed measles cases with symptom onset date in the four weeks since 16 December 2024. Data reporting lags have the greatest impact on the most recent four weeks and therefore reported figures are likely to underestimate activity. The South West accounted for the highest proportion of cases (46%, 26 of 57); 23% (13 of 57) of cases have been in the Yorkshire and Humber, and 14% (8 of 57) in the East Midlands.

‘Measles has been circulating across the country over the last 12 months, with 115 confirmed measles cases in the South West since 1 January 2024, the majority of which were confirmed in November and December 2024,’ said Dr Alasdair Wood, the UKHSA South West's Consultant in Health Protection. ‘This more rapid rise in cases within the region is concerning.’