The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of the risk of a measles outbreak in the country, following a recent spread of the disease attributed to declining vaccination rates. In a statement, the agency noted that "the chief executive of the NHS warns that measles infections will spread to other cities unless urgent action is taken to increase vaccination rates against measles, mumps, and rubella." The agency called for "immediate action" amid a rise in reported cases and stated that "the most effective way to combat the spread of measles is vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity."
Between October 1, 2023, and January 18, 2024, 216 confirmed cases and 103 suspected cases of measles were recorded in "West Midlands" in Britain, with most of the infected being children under the age of 10. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through droplets, primarily affecting children and causing severe complications that can end in death. Vaccination against this disease is effective, with 97% of those receiving the vaccines remaining infection-free; without vaccination, there is a risk that the infection could be fatal.