A child has died after contracting measles whilst receiving treatment at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, according to reports.
The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the child had been suffering from measles alongside other health conditions when they died at the specialist children's hospital.
The death marks what is thought to be only the second fatality from acute measles infection in Britain during this decade.
It comes as health officials express mounting concern over declining vaccination rates across the UK, leaving more children vulnerable to the highly contagious viral illness.
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust has treated 17 children for measles since June (stock)
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Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust declined to comment on the specific case, citing patient confidentiality.
However, the trust confirmed it has treated 17 children for measles since June, with numbers continuing to rise.
In a statement, the trust said: "We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles.
"Measles is a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment, and in rare cases, death."
The hospital emphasised that many of its patients have compromised immunity due to other health conditions, making them particularly vulnerable to infections like measles.
The trust urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, stating: "We treat children with a range of conditions and illnesses in our hospital, including those with compromised immunity due to other health issues, making them more susceptible to infections, including measles.
"We can prevent people, including children, from contracting measles through vaccination. Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated."
The hospital's warning comes as vaccination coverage continues to fall short of targets, with none of the routine childhood immunisations achieving the recommended 95 per cent uptake since 2021.
A Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report released earlier this month revealed that vaccine uptake in the UK has stalled over the past decade and is declining in many cases.
The report found that youngsters are now at increased risk of contracting illnesses including measles, meningitis and whooping cough.
Whilst some families harbour concerns about vaccinations, the report identified that many parents face practical barriers that could be addressed with better support.
These include difficulties booking and attending appointments, as well as a lack of continuity in NHS care, with many parents seeing different GPs or clinicians at each visit.
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Youngsters are at increased risk of contracting measles
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Director of public health for Liverpool, Professor Matt Ashton, said: "I'm extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community.
"My concern is the unprotected population, and it spreading like wildfire. That's why we're trying to be proactive. It's really important that people understand the seriousness of this."
Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, added: "There were almost 3000 cases of measles last year, including one death, and over 500 reported by UKHSA by the beginning of July this year.
"With the virus circulating at a high level across the country, it was a tragic inevitability that further deaths would occur, as has been reported today in Liverpool.
"Measles is a serious disease associated with life-threatening complications, but the virus can be eliminated. Indeed, the UK did achieve elimination status from the World Health Organisation, but sadly lost this badge of honour in 2019.
"Unless vaccination rates get above 95 per cent, prolonged and recurrent outbreaks can be expected and further loss of precious young lives will occur. MMR is available from the GP surgery and, if used, will effortlessly save lives.”