What's happened
The UK Health Security Agency warns of ongoing measles outbreaks in England, particularly among unvaccinated children. With festivals approaching, health officials urge attendees to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Similar concerns arise in Australia, where whooping cough cases are surging, highlighting the importance of vaccination.
What's behind the headline?
Current Health Risks
- The UKHSA has identified ongoing measles outbreaks, particularly affecting unvaccinated children under 10.
- Festivals like Glastonbury pose a risk for spreading measles, prompting health officials to recommend vaccinations before attendance.
Global Context
- Measles cases are rising globally, with the WHO reporting a doubling of cases in Europe from 2023 to 2024.
- The decline in vaccination rates in England is alarming, as many children remain unprotected.
Implications for Public Health
- Health officials emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine to prevent outbreaks.
- The situation in Australia with whooping cough mirrors the UK's challenges, indicating a broader issue with vaccination uptake.
- Public awareness and proactive vaccination are crucial to mitigate these health risks.
What the papers say
According to Holly Bancroft from The Independent, the UK Health Security Agency has reported that measles is 'circulating across the country' and warns that festivals are 'the perfect place for measles to spread.' This highlights the urgency for festival-goers to check their vaccination status. Meanwhile, in Australia, a surge in whooping cough cases has been noted, with over 14,000 cases reported in 2025 alone, as stated in an article from SBS. The article emphasizes that despite high vaccination coverage, waning immunity and disrupted vaccination services during COVID-19 have contributed to this rise. Both sources underscore the critical need for vaccination to protect vulnerable populations.
How we got here
Recent data shows a significant rise in measles cases in Europe, with over 127,000 reported in 2024. The UK has seen a decline in childhood vaccination rates, leaving many children unprotected. This situation is compounded by upcoming summer travel and festivals.
Go deeper
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- How can I ensure my vaccinations are up to date?
- What should I do if I think I have measles?
Common question
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What are the health risks of measles and how can vaccination help?
Measles outbreaks are raising significant health concerns, particularly in the UK, where unvaccinated children are at risk. With festivals approaching, it's crucial to understand the implications of these outbreaks and the importance of vaccination. Below, we address common questions about measles, its health risks, and vaccination awareness.
More on these topics
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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The UK Health Security Agency is a government agency in the United Kingdom, responsible since April 2021 for UK-wide public health protection and infectious disease capability, and replacing Public Health England.