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Latest Measles Statistics Published - 8 February 2024

The latest number of laboratory confirmed measles cases in England have been published in an updated epidemiological overview published by UKHSA.

Since the last update a week ago, a further 118 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been confirmed in England, bringing the total number of cases confirmed since 1 October 2023 to 465.

A disproportionately high rate continues to be seen in the West Midlands, with a sharp rise in case numbers over the last 6 weeks, mainly driven by cases in Birmingham.

In England, 17 cases were reported in October, 42 in November, 161 in December, 240 in January 2024 and 5 in February. 71% (329 of 465) of these cases have been in the West Midlands, 13% (62 of 465) in London and 7% (32 of 465) in Yorkshire and The Humber. The remaining cases were reported in other regions of England.

The majority (306 of 465, 66%) of these cases are in children under the age of 10 and 25% (115 of 465) in young people and adults over the age of 15.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said:
"The measles outbreak in the West Midlands continues to be a concern. MMR vaccine uptake has been falling over the last decade with 1 out of 10 children starting school in England not protected. Measles is highly infectious and there is a real risk it will spread to other areas.

"Parents should be aware that measles is a nasty illness for most children and sadly for some can be very serious and life changing, but it is completely preventable.

"Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. I strongly urge parents to take up the offer as soon as possible and protect their child now."

The data published in this epidemiological overview covers the period between 1 October 2023 and 6 February 2024 and is currently provisional, with the number of cases for the most recent months likely to increase as more suspected cases undergo confirmatory testing. Updates will be published every Thursday.