Health authorities in Kent and Medway have recorded nine fresh measles cases since the beginning of this month, prompting an urgent appeal for residents to verify their vaccination status.
The UK Health Security Agency South East, working alongside NHS partners and local public health directors, has issued the call amid evidence of limited community spread.
Dr Rob Verrecchia, consultant in health protection for UKHSA South East, expressed concern about the uptick. “This recent increase is concerning and does suggest there is some limited transmission in the community, particularly in people who are unvaccinated,” he said.
The highly contagious disease can prove fatal in rare instances.
The highly contagious disease can prove fatal in rare instances
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Current vaccination figures reveal a troubling gap between local coverage and international benchmarks.
Just under 83 per cent of five-year-olds in Kent and Medway have received both doses of the MMR jab, falling well short of the World Health Organisation’s recommended 95 per cent threshold.
Prof Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s director of public health, has implored families to act decisively. “Make sure your child has both doses of MMR for full protection,” he said.
Health officials noted that uptake for the second dose remains considerably lower than for the initial vaccination, yet both are essential for comprehensive immunity.
Two children tragically lost their lives to measles earlier this year, underscoring the severity of the disease.
Many recent infections have been traced back to significant outbreaks in London and the West Midlands.
Official statistics covering January 1 to July 6 2026 paint a stark regional picture. The South East recorded just 17 confirmed cases during this period, whilst London saw 463 and the West Midlands reported 147.
Despite measles circulating extensively elsewhere, Kent and Medway had remained relatively unaffected until this month’s cluster emerged.
Dr Verrecchia emphasised the disease’s dangers. “Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases,” he said.
Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway’s chief medical and outcomes officer, offered reassurance about the jab’s credentials.
“We are asking everyone to remain alert to the symptoms of measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash,” she said.
She described the MMR vaccine as “safe and by far the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.”
Community immunisation clinics across Kent and Medway are operating throughout the summer
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Pregnant women, infants under 12 months and those with compromised immune systems face the greatest risk of severe complications.
Parents can check their child’s Red Book or contact their GP to confirm vaccination status. Community immunisation clinics across Kent and Medway are operating throughout the summer for those needing to catch up on missed doses.
