Measles cases set to spike in weeks after school return, scientists warn

Measles cases are likely to spike in the coming weeks following the return to school this month, scientists are warning.

There were 742 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in the year to Monday August 18, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) although the true number is expected to be significantly higher as many cases are not recorded.

And with children going back to school – many after travelling abroad – and a prolonged drop in vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) on the back of growing scepticism about jabs, experts say we at risk of a dangerous surge in cases.

“The decline in vaccine coverage combined with increased mixing at school and university is almost certainly going to increase the likelihood of outbreaks,” Professor Steve