A health authority has issued an urgent alert regarding “one of the infectious diseases” as infections have surged dramatically. This condition is significantly more contagious than the common cold, COVID-19 and many other illnesses, according to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA).
In a warning shared on social media platform X, the UKHSA encouraged people to ensure both themselves and their children receive measles vaccinations. Measles is an infection that transmits extremely easily and can lead to severe complications for certain individuals.
Infants and those with compromised immune systems face heightened risks of complications, which may include pneumonia, meningitis, and seizures. The UKHSA highlighted that measles is “nearly twice as contagious” as a common cold.
It said: “Think the common cold spreads fast? Measles is nearly twice as contagious, and far more serious. Unlike a common cold, simple hygiene measures aren’t enough to slow it’s spread.”
Additionally, it noted: “Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world. It can be passed very easily from person to person. “The ‘R’ number for measles is 15. This means that one person with measles would infect 15 others.”
It outlined how transmissible measles is compared to other major respiratory infections:
- 1st – Measles: R15
- 2nd – Common cold: R8
- 3rd – Mumps: R7
- 4th – Norovirus: R4.3
- 5th – COVID-19: R3
- 6th – Influenza: R1.7
Vaccines
If you or your child has not yet received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, it’s advised that you get in touch with your GP. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has emphasised: “The MMR vaccine is the best and safest way to avoid catching and spreading measles.
“When most people are protected by vaccination, it’s harder for the disease to spread. Two doses of the MMR give protection for life.
“If you or your child missed one or both doses of the MMR, contact your GP practice to arrange your free vaccination.”
Rising cases of measles
In a concerning trend, measles cases in England have surged to levels not seen in over a decade. According to UKHSA figures, there were 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England in 2024, marking the highest annual case count since 2012.
Since the start of this year, England has reported 742 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, which is an uptick of 68 cases from the last update on 31 July 2025. A notable rise in measles began in April 2025, with outbreaks predominantly impacting London and the North West.
The breakdown of laboratory-confirmed measles cases by month of symptom onset in 2025 so far is as follows:
- January: 88
- February: 68
- March: 68
- April: 108
- May: 131
- June: 126
- July: 126
- August: 27 to date
A significant majority of these cases, 70 per cent (521 out of 742), occurred in children aged 10 years and under, while 24 per cent (182 out of 742) were among teenagers and adults aged 15 years and older.
Symptoms of measles
Primary symptoms of measles encompass a high temperature, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically emerges after the initial symptoms.
If not promptly addressed, measles can result in potentially lethal complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. If you suspect you or your child may have contracted measles, it is advised to urgently seek a GP appointment or dial 111.
