An adult has died from measles in England, marking the third fatality linked to the disease this year as confirmed cases continue to rise, health officials reported. The latest death follows the passing of two children in June. The adult who died had an underlying immunological condition, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

From January 1 to July 6, 883 confirmed measles cases were recorded in England, compared to a total of 959 cases throughout 2025. Cases have been reported across all regions, with London accounting for over half (52 percent) of infections. The West Midlands and the North West reported 17 percent and 10 percent of cases respectively. The majority of those infected are children aged ten and under.

The UKHSA and NHS leaders have emphasized the importance of vaccination amid ongoing local outbreaks, particularly in London and other parts of the country. A catch-up campaign has been launched targeting parents of children aged two to 11 who may have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is now often administered as the MMRV, which also includes protection against chickenpox.

Dr. Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, highlighted the high infectiousness of measles and the increased risk it poses to vulnerable groups such as babies, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive the vaccine. She urged families to check vaccination status with their GP surgeries, stressing that it is never too late to catch up on missed immunizations.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization confirmed that the UK no longer meets the criteria to be considered free of measles, citing plateauing vaccination rates. Health officials are seeking to contact approximately one million families with children who have not completed the recommended vaccine regimen in an effort to help curb the spread of the disease.

Public health experts continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to increase vaccine coverage and prevent further outbreaks and deaths.