Overview
- England has recorded 811 confirmed measles cases since January, with officials noting recent weeks are likely undercounted due to reporting delays.
- UKHSA highlights measles’ R number of about 15, far exceeding common respiratory infections such as colds, Covid-19, and flu.
- Most infections have occurred in children aged 10 and under, while roughly a quarter have been in people aged 15 and over.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect about 99% of people against measles and rubella, with protection beginning within roughly two weeks.
- Public advice urges anyone missing one or both MMR doses to contact their GP for a free catch-up jab and to phone ahead before visiting healthcare settings if measles is suspected, given risks of complications including pneumonia and encephalitis.