Measles outbreaks are continuing across England, with 420 laboratory-confirmed cases reported since the start of 2025, according to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.
The majority of infections are affecting young children, with 66 per cent of cases occurring in those aged 10 years and under.
The UKHSA's monthly update revealed that 276 children have contracted the highly contagious disease in the first five months of this year.
A further 29 per cent of cases have been recorded in young people and adults aged 15 years and over, while no acute measles-related deaths have been reported so far in 2025.
Symptoms typically take around seven to 14 days to appear
GETTYLondon has been the worst-affected region, accounting for 39 per cent of all cases with 162 confirmed infections. Bristol has emerged as the single most impacted area with 47 cases, representing 11 per cent of the national total.
Leeds follows with 29 cases, whilst Newham in London has recorded 23 infections. The South West and East of England regions have each reported 14 per cent of total cases.
The outbreak has spread across 82 upper-tier local authorities throughout England. Other significantly affected areas include Essex with 22 cases, Hertfordshire and Waltham Forest with 18 each, and Hackney with 17 confirmed infections.
Recent surveillance data shows the outbreak remains active, with 75 laboratory-confirmed measles cases recorded in the four weeks since May 5. The UKHSA notes that reporting lags mean "the reported figures are likely to underestimate activity".
London continues to drive new infections, accounting for 47 per cent of recent cases, with 35 confirmed. The North West has seen 25 per cent of new cases, whilst the West Midlands reported 11 per cent.
Hackney has emerged as a new hotspot with 12 cases in the past four weeks, whilst Salford recorded 11. The recent activity has spread across 32 upper-tier local authorities.
The outbreaks follow what the UKHSA described as England's worst measles year since 2012, with 2,911 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded in 2024.
That surge was "initially driven by an outbreak in Birmingham but was soon overtaken by a large outbreak in London, with small clusters in other regions".
Monthly figures for 2025 show January recorded 88 cases, followed by 68 in both February and March. April saw a spike to 109 cases, whilst May recorded 86 infections.
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The disease can spread around the body
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The UKHSA updates its measles data every four weeks, with the next scheduled release on 3 July 2025.
What are the symptoms of measles?
While often associated with a rash, there's more to the disease. It can spread around the body, potentially leading to severe complications and, in some cases, death.
"Most people recover from measles in about 10 days," states the Mayo Clinic. "It usually doesn't cause long-term medical issues. But measles can be serious and even deadly."
Symptoms typically take around seven to 14 days to appear. You will typically suffer from a high temperature, as well as a cough, runny or blocked nose, and red, watery eyes.
The rash usually appears a few days after these symptoms. There may be small white spots inside the cheeks and lips, as well as a raised red rash that can start on the face and spread throughout the body.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus," cautions the World Health Organisation. "It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes."
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