The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that an adult has died from measles as cases continue to rise, just months after an outbreak of the viral illness in England. The victim had an “underlying immunological problem,” officials reported.
Case numbers and regional spread
Figures released by the UKHSA show there have been 883 confirmed measles cases reported in England from the start of the year to July 6. In 2025, there were a total of 959 confirmed cases. In June, health officials announced that two children in England had died from measles. Now, the death of an adult brings the total fatalities in 2026 to three.
The UKHSA said all regions of England have reported cases, with more than half (52%) in London, 17% in the West Midlands and 10% in the North West. The organisation said the “majority” of cases were in children aged 10 and under.
Vaccination campaign and coverage
The death 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. 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% 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.
Elimination status and background
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.
