Overview

• England has recorded 742 laboratory‑confirmed measles cases so far in 2025, up 68 since July 31, after 2,911 cases in 2024, the highest annual total since 2012.
• UKHSA says measles is extraordinarily transmissible with an estimated R of 15, nearly twice that of the common cold, and simple hygiene measures are not enough to curb spread.
• Case numbers began climbing in April with outbreaks concentrated in London and the North West, according to the latest surveillance.
• Children are bearing the brunt of the resurgence, with 70% of this year’s cases in those aged 10 and under and 24% in people aged 15 and over.
• The agency urges anyone missing MMR doses to contact their GP for free vaccination, stressing that two doses provide long‑term protection and that infants and immunocompromised people face higher risk of severe complications.