Why are measles cases rising and what is the MMR vaccine?

A new government campaign will remind parents in England about the serious risks of diseases like measles if children are not vaccinated.

Measles cases have been rising since late 2023, with clusters in a number of regions, including the West Midlands and London.

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes.

Common symptoms include:

Small white spots may appear inside the mouth.

A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body.

It can be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Measles normally clears up within seven to 10 days. However, it can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.

Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk.

Measles can be fatal, but this is rare.

Between 2000-2022, 23 children and adults died in England and Wales from measles or related infections.

In Ireland, one adult died from measles in February 2024.

You can catch measles at any age. It is possible – but highly unlikely – to catch it twice as the body builds up immunity to the disease after being infected.

Getting it while pregnant can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage or babies being born small.

The NHS advises adults to ensure they have had both doses of the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine before starting a family.

There were 1,603 suspected cases of measles in England and Wales in 2023, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – a sharp rise from 735 cases in 2022 and 360 in 2021.

England has seen large clusters of measles across a number of regions since autumn 2023.

UKHSA statistics show 581 cases have been recorded since 1 October 2023.

Just under two-thirds of these cases (65%) were in children under the age of 10, while 27% involved young people and adults over the age of 15.

Case numbers have been extremely high in the West Midlands, but the UKHSA says these appear to be stabilising.

Separately, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there had been an “alarming” 45-fold increase in measles cases across Europe in 2023.

More than 42,000 people were infected in 2023, compared to 941 during the whole of 2022.

The number of young primary school children who have had both doses of the MMR vaccine is below WHO targets.

Approximately 85% of children in 2022-23 had received two MMR doses by their fifth birthday, the lowest level since 2010-11. The recommended figure is 95%.

In some cities, including Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham, only 75% of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated, NHS figures show.

It means more than 3.4 million children in England aged under 16 are unprotected.

The WHO said vaccination rates have also fallen across Europe, leaving more than 1.8 million children at risk.

The new government health campaign urges parents to make sure their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, and to check they are up to date with all other jabs.

In a video which will run on TV, radio and online, children tell their parents and carers: “If we’re not vaccinated, we’re not protected.”

Child health experts say some parents have underestimated the seriousness of measles because it had largely been eradicated.

In addition, many routine health appointments were missed during the Covid pandemic.

There are also still people who wrongly believe the MMR jab is linked to autism.

Researcher Andrew Wakefield claimed the two were connected in 1998.

His work was later dismissed, and Mr Wakefield was struck off by the General Medical Council in 2010.

Some unvaccinated young adults missed out when they were children because fears about the jab persisted despite being disproven.

Measles vaccinations were introduced in the UK in 1968. The current two-dose MMR vaccine started in 1996 and is very effective.

After both MMR doses, 99% of people are protected against measles and rubella, and 88% are protected against mumps.

The first MMR dose is usually given at 12 months old, while the second jab is administered at about three years and four months, before children start primary school.

However, adults and children can have the MMR jab at any point via their GP.

People who do not eat pork products can request an alternative jab called Priorix.

If the MMR is not suitable, someone at immediate risk of catching measles can have a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG).

Most MMR side effects are mild.

The injection site can be red, sore and swollen for a few days.

Babies and young children may develop a high temperature for up to 72 hours.

There is no evidence linking the MMR vaccine with autism.

Incident Room: Measles Outbreak: Why now?

Health experts examine why the virus is back and what can be done to get rid of it?

Watch now on iPlayer

The NHS advises patients to:

You should go to A&E or phone 999 if you or your child:

Pregnant women or those with a weakened immune system should seek urgent medical advice after contact with someone with measles.