ADULTS and children are being urged to get protected against measles as the number of cases continues to rise across the West Midlands.
In the two weeks up to June 11 there have been a further 106 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported in England, according to data revealed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This brings the total number of cases confirmed between January 1 and June 8 to 736, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025.
The agency added in the most recent four weeks activity has been highest in London, the East of England and the West Midlands – with 16 cases in Worcestershire between May 11 to June 8.
To date in 2026, there have been two measles deaths in children in England.
UKHSA said while the majority of cases in the region were seen in school-aged children across the Birmingham area, since the start of May, there has been a steep rise in cases in Worcestershire – with mainly adults affected.
Emma Booth, consultant in Health Protection leading on vaccine preventable diseases for UKHSA in the West Midlands, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families who have so tragically lost their children.
“Measles continues to circulate in the West Midlands region, as in many parts of the country, and as we have seen, it can be very serious and even fatal.
“While many cases are in school-aged children, we are now seeing a significant number of adults catching measles in the West Midlands, especially in the Worcestershire area.
“That’s why we want to remind people that measles doesn’t just affect children, anyone unvaccinated is at risk. We’re urging anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the MMR vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Measles can spread quickly in unvaccinated communities, and can cause serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect families from measles, mumps and rubella. It’s safe, free of charge and can be given at any age.”
For those who do not touch any pork products, there is a version of the MMR vaccine, Priorix, which has no pork ingredients, this can be requested from your GP.
Symptoms of measles include: high temperature, runny or blocked nose, cough, and a rash, which is said to appears a few days after cold-like symptoms.
Anyone who suspects measles should contact NHS 111 or phone your GP surgery.
Those who need to visit a GP or hospital, must call ahead to let them know that it could be measles.
The staff will make special arrangements to see you and/or your child so that, if they have measles, they won’t pass it to other people.
If you or your child has measles, you should stay off nursery/ school/ university/ work/ other group activities until at least four days after the rash appears, because you will still be infectious, which means you can spread measles to others.
