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England Reports Third Measles Death in 2026 While NHS Launches Catch-Up Vaccination for One Million Families
An adult with an underlying condition died from measles, following two child deaths in June. GB News reported 883 confirmed cases through early July, nearly matching the prior year's full total. The NHS has begun a catch-up vaccination effort.
Jul 10, 8:58 AM·1m read1 source
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England has recorded its third measles-related death in 2026, GB News reported. The victim was an adult who had an underlying immunological condition. Two children died from measles in June. The UK Health Security Agency recorded 883 confirmed measles cases in England from 1 January to 6 July 2026.
That total is close to the 959 cases documented for all of 2025. London accounted for 52 per cent of the 2026 cases, the West Midlands for 17 per cent and the North West for 10 per cent. Every region of England has reported at least one case.
Children aged 10 and under make up the majority of infections. Uptake of both MMR doses among five-year-olds in London stood at 84.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. The NHS has started a catch-up programme that aims to reach about one million families.
It targets children aged 2 to 11 who missed one or both doses. Parents of children under six will be contacted by their GP surgery. Families with children aged 6 to 11 will receive messages through the NHS app, text, email or letter.
The vaccine is now called MMR/V because it also protects against chickenpox. The World Health Organisation stated in January 2026 that the UK could no longer be considered to have eliminated measles.
