Health experts have warned there is a "very real risk" the UK could see a deadly outbreak of a Victorian disease.
New data shows a steady rise in cases of measles in London this year, and there are fears case numbers could explode if MMR vaccination rates don't improve.
There were just 54 cases in 2022. From January 1 to June 30 this year there were 128.
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Measles has been detected in all parts of the UK but two thirds of the cases are in London. And the new data suggests the capital could be facing a new outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,0000 cases.
Vaccine uptake in London has dipped as low as 70% in some places, well below the 95% required for herd immunity.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist said: "Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
"Due to longstanding sub-optimal vaccine uptake, there is now a very real risk of seeing big outbreaks in London.
"It’s important everyone is fully vaccinated before travelling overseas this summer.
"Nobody wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles, or put others who are more vulnerable, like babies, at risk."
Jane Clegg, regional chief nurse for the NHS in London said: "Measles can easily spread between unvaccinated people and can be serious, but it is preventable, which is why we continue to encourage Londoners to take up the vaccine – with GPs calling over 10,000 parents of unvaccinated children, and hundreds booking appointments to get vaccinated as a result.
"Now’s the time to act to protect yourself and loved ones from measles."
Roughly 128,000 people globally died from measles in 2021. Most of the deaths were among unvaccinated people or children under five.
The US Centre for Disease Control estimates one to two in 1,000 children infected will die from measles.
While most people recover from disease, the worst cases can lead to brain damage or death.
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