NHS warns what parents should do as Greater Manchester borough has fourth highest cases of measles in UK
The NHS has issued a warning to parents in Greater Manchester after Salford recorded the fourth highest number of measles cases in the UK between January and July 2025. Measles cases are rising, particularly among children, with 64 cases reported in the northwest of England this year. Health officials urge parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine, which is safe, effective, and free. The UKHSA highlights declining vaccination rates as a key factor in the outbreaks and warns of potential summer spikes due to travel. Symptoms of measles include fever, rash, and cold-like symptoms, and parents are advised to seek medical advice if their child shows signs of the disease.
Salford has the fourth-highest measles caseload in the UK, with 27 confirmed infections between January and June, prompting NHS Greater Manchester to plead with parents to check their children’s vaccination records.
The city-region has recorded 64 measles cases since the start of 2025, triple last year’s north-west total and eight times the 2023 figure. Around 30% of this year’s victims are toddlers aged one to four; a further 22% are primary-school pupils.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Manchester warned the virus “spreads very easily and can lead to serious illness, especially in young children,” adding: “We urge all parents in Salford and all areas of Greater Manchester to act now.”
The UK Health Security Agency links the surge to falling MMR uptake, noting England logged 2,911 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024 - the worst annual tally since 2012. Dr Merav Kliner, UKHSA North-West deputy director, said measles is “completely preventable” and urged families planning summer holidays to ensure every traveller is fully vaccinated before departure.
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