Two children die from measles as England data shows 100 new infections
Two children in England have died from measles, with the UK Health Security Agency reporting over 100 new infections in the past two weeks. One child succumbed to acute measles, while the other died from its late effects, highlighting a concerning resurgence of this preventable disease.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
Two children in England have died from measles, with the UK Health Security Agency reporting over 100 new infections in the past two weeks. One child succumbed to acute measles, while the other died from its late effects, highlighting a concerning resurgence of this preventable disease.
- Why It Matters
The deaths underscore the critical need for vaccination, as health officials urge families to ensure their children are immunized against measles. This situation reflects ongoing public health challenges in England, particularly regarding vaccine uptake.
- The Bigger Picture
The rise in measles cases coincides with other alarming health trends in England, including a significant increase in Lyme disease cases and rising mortality rates linked to prolonged waits in emergency departments. These issues collectively point to a broader public health crisis, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and timely medical care.
Related Reports
More coverage on this story
5 reports across the wire
Student dies after meningitis outbreak in Home Counties
A student has died following a meningitis outbreak in Reading, with two additional individuals receiving treatment, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This incident highlights the serious health risks associated with meningitis, particularly in educational settings.
Lyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a year
Cases of Lyme disease in England have increased by over 20% in the past year, with 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases reported in 2025, up from 959 in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency. This rise highlights the growing public health concern regarding this tick-borne illness, prompting pharmaceutical companies to develop new vaccines and treatments.
Genital herpes rising in England, despite overall drop in STIs
Genital herpes cases are on the rise in England, despite an overall decline in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Health experts emphasize the importance of testing, particularly among young people, to address this growing concern.
More than 1,300 deaths a month in England due to long A&E waits, figures suggest
More than 1,300 patients in England are reportedly dying each month due to prolonged waits in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments, a tenfold increase over the past decade, according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. This alarming statistic highlights a significant public health crisis that has escalated from 30 deaths per week in 2015 to over 300 in 2025.
Met Office warns of increased likelihood of summer heatwave
The Met Office has issued a warning regarding an increased likelihood of a summer heatwave in the UK, following an exceptionally warm and dry spring, which saw England and Wales experiencing their warmest spring on record. Several counties in the South East reported only one third of their average seasonal rainfall.