The UK has lost its measles elimination status, the World Health Organization has announced.

The move was based on the spread of cases in 2024 when there were nearly 3,000 cases in England and Wales.

Elimination status means there is no sustained transmission so this decision was largely expected, given the scale of the outbreaks in 2024.

There were close to 1,000 cases last year as well. The move is also a reflection of the fact vaccination rates are below the 95% threshold required to achieve herd immunity – when enough people in a community are vaccinated against a disease, making it hard for the pathogen to spread.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at 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.

“Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.”