Child dies from measles in UK as Birmingham sees more cases than anywhere else

A child has died from measles - a once-eradicated disease that has infected almost 2,500 people this year. An outbreak in Birmingham resulted in a surge in cases in late 2023, with London and other regions following suit.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said almost half of all confirmed cases in 2024 had been in London, with 1,177 reported. The West Midlands counted for 22 per cent - 548 cases - and seven per cent in the East Midlands (182). At least one case of measles has been reported in 130 upper-tier council areas.

In total, England has seen 2,465 confirmed cases as of September 9, with 61 per cent of those being children aged 10 or younger. The UKHSA confirmed that a young person died from acute measles in the first quarter of this year, the first in England since the current outbreak began.

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Birmingham has seen more confirmed cases than any other council area, with a total of 358. All areas that have had at least 10 lab-confirmed cases can be found below, using our interactive map.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: “Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine, but many thousands of children around the country are still not vaccinated and may be at risk of serious illness or life-long complications. No parent wants this for their child.

"Don’t put it off, please act today so we can ensure that all children are given the best protection. With measles continuing to circulate in England and sadly one death in a young person, ensuring timely vaccination has never been more important.

"The MMR jab offers the best protection against measles and importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have so tragically lost their child.”