Health officials have confirmed the death of an adult from measles in England as cases continue to rise.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals 883 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in England since the beginning of the year up to July 6. In comparison, there were a total of 959 confirmed cases reported throughout 2025.
In June, health officials announced that two children in England had died from measles.
Now officials have reported that an adult with an “underlying immunological problem” has also died.
The UKHSA said all regions of England have reported cases, with more than half (52 per cent) in London, 17 per cent in the West Midlands and 10 per cent in the North West.
The organisation said the “majority” of cases were in children aged 10 and under.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Sadly, a third measles-related death has now been reported in England this year.
“We are continuing to see localised outbreaks in London and other parts of the country.
“Measles is highly infectious and the virus will seek out those who are unprotected.
“Two doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine provide vital protection.
“Vaccination also helps protect those most at risk, including babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
“If you or your child have missed any vaccinations, or you are unsure if you are up to date, contact your GP surgery. It is never too late to catch up.”
It comes after NHS leaders launched a catch-up campaign aimed at parents of children aged two to 11 who have missed out on the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The jab now also protects against chicken pox and is known as the MMR/V vaccine.
Symptoms of measles
NHS
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
- The first symptoms of measles include. a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore, watery eyes.
- Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
- A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
Health officials are aiming to contact around a million families of children who have missed one or both doses of the vaccine.
Figures for the first three months of the year show that 84.1 per cent of five-year-olds had received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
GPs will contact parents of children under the age of six.
Those with children aged six to 11 will be contacted through the NHS app, text, email or letter.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation said the UK was no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
The announcement in January followed a plateau in vaccination coverage and a surge in cases.
