Measles outbreaks claim children’s lives in UK and South Sudan

In England and Wales, a measles outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two children and 106 laboratory‑confirmed cases in the past two weeks, bringing the total to 736 since the start of the year. Health officials say most cases are among unvaccinated children under ten and are urging parents to ensure MMR vaccination.

In South Sudan’s Lakes State, the disease has killed 11 children and infected 145 people across Cueibet, Yirol East, Yirol West and Rumbek East counties since early June. Cueibet accounts for the majority of cases. Local health authorities, with support from the Ministry of Health and WHO, are preparing a vaccination campaign targeting children under five and have set up an isolation centre in Cueibet.