The U.K. has officially lost its measles elimination status, meaning the highly infectious disease has been circulating continuously in the region for at least a year.
Within the past decade,the U.K. has gained, lost and regained its measles elimination status, according to an update posted Jan. 26 by the UK health Security Agency (UKHSA).it eliminated the disease in 2016 but saw a resurgence in 2018,along with the rest of Europe. It then regained its elimination status in 2021, when precautions taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 also drove down measles rates.
But in the years as, measles rates have rebounded again in the country – and based on data from 2024 that was submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO), the infection is now officially reestablished in the U.K.
Ben Kasstan-Dabush, an assistant professor of global health and development at the London School of Hygiene and tropical Medicine, called the news “unsurprising.”
“Sustained measles transmission reflects a decade-lo
Measles Cases Rise Globally, Threatening Elimination Efforts
A surge in measles cases across Europe and North America is jeopardizing decades of progress toward eliminating the disease, health officials warn.The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health agencies are reporting outbreaks in several countries, fueled by declining vaccination rates.This resurgence poses a meaningful risk to public health, particularly for young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
Vaccination Remains Key
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given in two doses. The United Kingdom recommends the frist dose at age 1 and the second at age 3. As of 2026, young children are recommended the MMRV vaccine, which additionally protects against chickenpox (varicella), and are offered doses at 12 and 18 months old. The MMR vaccine is still given to kids born before 2019, as well as adults who have not yet completed their two-dose series.
Coverage rates are a major concern. In 2024,the U.K. reported 92.3% coverage with the first MMR dose and 84.4% with the second, roughly the same as 2023.However, coverage peaked in 2016 at 95.3% for the first dose and 88.2% for the second, and has been declining since.
Global Impact
The decline in vaccination isn’t limited to the U.K.According to recent data, several countries within the WHO European Region have lost their measles elimination status, including Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Canada also lost its measles elimination status.
“As history teaches us, elimination can only be achieved and sustained by improving coverage of the MMRV vaccine in children to meet the WHO 95% target and by using all opportunities to catch up older children and adults who missed out when they were younger,”
says a statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Health officials emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities and prevent the spread of this dangerous disease.
