By Micah Jonah
January 27, 2026
World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Britain, along with Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, has lost its measles elimination status due to rising infections in 2024.
Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, can cause serious complications and death. The WHO warned that declining vaccination rates are fueling outbreaks, particularly in populations skeptical of vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the UK, only 84.4% of children received the two recommended doses in 2024, well below the 95% needed for herd immunity. There were 2,911 confirmed cases in England, the highest since 2012.
WHO stresses that countries must maintain vaccination coverage above 95% to prevent measles resurgence. Canada lost its elimination status last year, while the U.S. is at risk as infections increase.
