Measles: Third death is confirmed in England as cases surge

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England has confirmed a third death due to measles this year amid a surge in cases, with 883 confirmed infections in 2026 so far. The UK lost its measles elimination status in January, and vaccination rates remain below target, especially in London, West Midlands, and the North West regions.

An adult in England has died from measles, bringing the total number of fatalities from the disease so far this year to three.The fatality, which officials said occurred in an adult with an underlying immunological problem, follows the deaths of two children in June.Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency show 883 confirmed measles cases reported in England so far this year, up to 6 July. In 2025 there were 959 confirmed measles cases across the whole calendar year.All regions of England have reported cases in 2026, the worst affected areas being London (52% of total cases), the West Midlands (17%), and the north west (10%). The UK lost its measles elimination certification in January, as the disease had circulated continuously for more than a year.1The current vaccination rate for both doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) at age 5 years in England is 84.1%, far lower than...