Health authorities are calling on families to ensure youngsters receive measles immunisations while schools remain closed for summer, as infection numbers continue to climb throughout Britain.
The appeal has followed a concerning pattern of rising cases, with the nation recording its most significant annual infection count since 2012.
Now, following such an outbreak, medical professionals have started to speculate that holiday travel might trigger an additional wave of infections once pupils return to classrooms in September.
The highly contagious illness has already prompted several nurseries to reinstate pandemic-style safety measures following recent outbreaks.
Medics have expressed concerns over falling immunisation rates
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Last month, a child in Liverpool tragically passed away last month after contracting measles alongside other severe medical conditions. Since early July, 145 new cases have been reported.
Statistics from the UK Health Security Agency have revealed that 674 total infections had been recorded from January onwards, with London making up nearly 48 per cent of cases.
While North West has contributed to approximately 16 per cent of cases, the east of England has accounted for around 10 per cent.
However, Hackney in East London has emerged as the nation's most affected area, registering 79 infections - more than one in every 10 cases nationally.
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Children younger than 10 years old make up the largest group of those contracting the illness across affected regions.
Vaccination rates in Hackney remain critically low, with merely 60.8 per cent of five-year-olds having received both MMR doses, compared to England's 83.9 per cent average.
Assistant professor of Global Health & Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush said: "It is no surprise that Hackney has seen the highest number of measles cases over the past four weeks."
He explained that insufficient immunisation coverage has left "children as sitting ducks for a measles outbreak".
The MMR vaccine provides up to 99 per cent protection if both doses are administered
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Commenting on ways to combat the rising number of cases, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba said: "The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins."
She added: "It is never too late to catch up. Don't put it off and regret it later."
The MMR vaccine provides up to 99 per cent protection when administered in two doses, yet without immunisation, a single infected person can transmit measles to nine in 10 unvaccinated individuals nearby.
Infants under 12 months and immunocompromised individuals cannot receive vaccinations, depending on community immunity for protection.