England's measles cases near 900 as third death confirmed this year

England has recorded its third measles-related fatality this year, with health authorities confirming that an adult who had an underlying immunological condition has died from the disease.

The death follows the loss of two children to measles announced in June, marking a grim toll as the outbreak continues to spread across the country.

According to UK Health Security Agency data, 883 confirmed measles infections were documented in England from January through to 6 July.

This figure approaches the 959 total cases recorded throughout the whole of 2025, underscoring the severity of the current outbreak.

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London remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 52 per cent of all confirmed infections. The West Midlands has recorded 17 per cent of cases, while the North West follows with 10 per cent.

Every region of England has now reported measles cases, according to the UKHSA.

Children aged 10 and under comprise the majority of those infected, reflecting concerning gaps in vaccination coverage among younger age groups.

Uptake of both doses of the MMR vaccine remains lowest in London, with figures from the first quarter showing just 84.1 per cent of five-year-olds had received the full course of immunisation.

The NHS has launched an ambitious catch-up vaccination programme aimed at reaching approximately one million families whose children have missed one or both doses of the MMR jab.

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The campaign targets youngsters aged two to 11 who remain unprotected against measles, mumps and rubella.

Parents of children under six will receive contact from their GP surgery directly.

Families with older children, aged six to 11, will be reached through the NHS app, text messages, emails or letters.

The vaccine now also provides protection against chickenpox and is referred to as the MMR/V jab.

The World Health Organisation declared in January that the UK could no longer be considered to have eliminated measles, a stark reversal following stagnating vaccination rates and a dramatic rise in infections.

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."

She emphasised that measles is highly infectious and will find those without protection.

Dr Saliba urged anyone uncertain about their vaccination status to contact their GP surgery, noting it is never too late to catch up.

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