Extremely contagious disease 're-established' in UK as urgent vaccine alert issuedThe World Health Organisation has said measles transmission has been 're-established' in the UK, which is no longer considered to have 'eliminated' the diseaseView 3 Images There has been a dip in vaccination coverage (Image: Alamy/PA)Britain has lost its official "eliminated" status for a highly contagious disease and an urgent vaccination alert has been issued as a result. Nations receive measles elimination recognition from the World Health Organisation (WHO). ‌The international health body declared that measles transmission had become "re-established" across the UK during 2024. ‌Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls. Measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school."

Source: Daily Mirror January 26, 2026 20:52 UTC