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Travelers heading abroad this summer for vacations or to visit family are being cautioned about the increase in measles cases in Europe and other parts of the world. In Europe, measles infections have reached a 25-year peak, with surges also seen in countries like Pakistan and Nigeria. Despite this, childhood vaccination rates in the UK for protection against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) remain below the recommended 95% uptake, especially in regions like London where only slightly over 73% of individuals are vaccinated.
The UK Health Security Agency is advising holidaymakers to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, emphasizing that it is never too late to get vaccinated. Recent data from the UKHSA indicates that England is experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak, with 109 confirmed cases in April and 86 so far in May. Most of these cases involve unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, with London accounting for nearly half of the cases reported in the past month.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, notes that the increase in measles cases in England reflects the situation abroad, which is concerning as the summer holiday season kicks off. She stresses the importance of ensuring all family members, especially young children, are up to date with two MMR doses, particularly for those traveling during the summer. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including ear and chest infections, brain inflammation, and long-term consequences for affected children.
The decline in vaccination rates in the UK, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, is a trend mirrored in other countries, especially in Europe. The World Health Organization and UNICEF reported a significant rise in measles cases in the European Region in 2024, with outbreaks also seen in popular holiday destinations for UK travelers like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Additionally, countries such as Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nigeria currently have some of the highest numbers of measles cases globally.
Efforts to improve MMR vaccination rates across the UK continue, but there is still work to be done to ensure all individuals are protected against these contagious infections. Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, urges parents to take advantage of the free MMR jabs provided under the NHS routine immunisation programme. She emphasizes the importance of acting on vaccination invites or checking records to confirm children are up to date with their vaccinations. Health experts emphasize that individuals of any age who lack two doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP to schedule a vaccination appointment, as it is never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations
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