Bristol has emerged as the epicenter of a concerning highly contagious disease outbreak, with a significant number of confirmed cases. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data reveals that, so far this year, Bristol has recorded 47 laboratory – confirmed cases of measles, more than any other council area in England.
Since the start of 2025, England has reported a total of 420 laboratory – confirmed measles cases. Alarmingly, two – thirds (66%) of these cases involve children aged 10 and under, although young people and adults have also been diagnosed. Leeds follows Bristol with 29 cases, while Newham in London has 23.
The resurgence of measles cases in Bristol and across England is closely linked to a growing number of parents refusing the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Over the past decade, the uptake of childhood vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine, in England has dropped far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 95%. This has left thousands of children unprotected, greatly increasing the risk of outbreaks, especially in environments like nurseries and schools where the virus can spread easily.
Measles, described by the WHO in Europe as a “highly contagious disease caused by a virus,” poses serious health risks. It can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, brain inflammation, and in severe cases, hospitalization and life – long consequences. Last year, England witnessed 2,911 laboratory – confirmed measles cases, the highest annual number since 2012. The surge was initially triggered by an outbreak in Birmingham, which was later overshadowed by large – scale infections in London and clusters in other regions.
Globally, the situation is also concerning. The WHO Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported 127,350 measles cases in the European region for 2024, double the number in 2023 and the highest since 1997.
Health experts are urgently calling for action. Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized that “the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles.” She noted that babies under one year old and people with weakened immune systems, who cannot receive the vaccine, rely on others getting vaccinated for their protection. Dr. Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, echoed these sentiments, encouraging all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme. The first MMR vaccine is typically offered to infants at one year old, and the second dose is given to pre – school children around three years and four months old.
Bristol City Council has also sounded the alarm, stating that “measles is circulating in Bristol and we’re at risk of an outbreak of this dangerous disease due to low MMR vaccination rates.” As the city grapples with this health crisis, the hope is that increased awareness and vaccination efforts will help curb the spread of this highly contagious disease and protect the community, especially the most vulnerable members.
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