England's Measles Outbreak Outpaces the USA

With 52 countries reporting measles outbreaks over the past year, one international gateway county recently reported a surprising number of measles cases in 2024.

As of June 3, 2024, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 1,749 laboratory-confirmed measles cases had been reported in England since October 2023.

England's London and West Midlands areas continued leading the measles outbreak over the last month when 219 confirmed measles cases were confirmed.

The most significant number of cases were in London (106), followed by the West Midlands, East of England, East Midlands, and the North East.

Dr.Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, commented in a May 2024 press release, "The number of measles cases is rising across the country, with a particular increase in London in recent weeks."

"We know some communities in London have very low MMR vaccination rates."

Compared with England, measles outbreaks in the United States appear under control.

As of June 7, 2024, the U.S. CDC reported 151 measles cases in 22 jurisdictions, primarily in Chicago. Most of the Illinois patients were unvaccinated travelers.

The CDC encourages international travelers to speak with a healthcare provider about their measles immunity and travel vaccine options.