A child has died from measles in the UK, prompting health officials to issue urgent appeals for vaccination amid a concerning rise in infections both nationally and across mainland Europe.
The child, whose age and gender have not been disclosed, was reportedly being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. The case marks the latest alarm in a growing outbreak driven by declining immunisation rates and rising vaccine hesitancy.
In a statement, Alder Hey Hospital warned that measles cases in the region are climbing, with many children unprotected. “Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated,” the hospital said.
The UK has seen a resurgence of measles in recent years. More than 500 cases have already been confirmed in England this year, mostly among children aged 10 and under. In 2024, the country recorded a measles-related death in a young person with pre-existing health conditions. Last year, more than 2,900 cases were reported, with nearly 1,700 involving children under 10.
Europe and Central Asia have also experienced a severe resurgence of the disease. According to recent data, the European Union has reported over 6,200 measles cases so far this year, making 2024 the worst year for measles in the region in nearly three decades.
Though often mild, measles can lead to serious complications including blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death. The virus is particularly dangerous for babies too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
“Measles is very contagious and if the virus is circulating in the community because of low vaccination rates, sooner or later it will find its way to kids who are already unwell,” said Ian Jones, a virology professor at the University of Reading. “There, the infection can be catastrophic.”
The UK lost its World Health Organization measles elimination status in 2019, just two years after achieving it, due to a resurgence in cases linked to falling vaccination rates. Experts say around 95% of a population must be fully vaccinated to prevent community outbreaks, but in 2022, UK coverage stood at just 85.2%.
Health professionals attribute the decline to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing vaccine hesitancy. The measles vaccine, first introduced in the 1960s, is highly effective—two doses offer approximately 99% protection.
“Once it became rare after universal vaccination, many forgot about measles,” said Professor Adam Finn of the University of Bristol. “This tragic death may be the reminder that we cannot afford to take this entirely preventable infection lightly.”
Officials continue to urge parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to curb further outbreaks.
