A “fast spreading” measles outbreak spreading in London school is affecting unvaccinated children, the UKHSA has said.
It has been confirmed that multiple cases of measles had been confirmed in Enfield, affecting seven schools and a nursery school.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) previously said that there had been 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from January 1 until February 9. More than 60 suspected cases have now been reported.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long-term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.
“If your child has missed any of their doses it’s important to catch up as soon as possible, giving them vital protection against this highly contagious disease, but also helping to protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition.
“With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated, as measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe.”
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that easily spread among young children who are unvaccinated. Symptoms of measles in children include a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, watery or red eyes, a non-itchy brown-red rash on the face and behind the ears, and small white spots on the inside of the mouth.
While many people may recover from the illness, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rarer cases, long-term disability or even death.
There is no treatment for measles, with the only protection coming from the full double-dose of the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccine is also administered to vaccinate against illnesses such mumps, rubella and varicella.
Just last year, global health official said that the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles. Enfield, where the current outbreak is centred, had a double-dose MMR vaccination rate in 2024/25 of just 64.3% according to UKHSA figures published last August. This is one of the lowest rates in the country.
Alev Cazimoglu, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The current outbreak has mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital. Measles is one of the most infectious known diseases. It is approximately six times more infectious than Covid-19.
“Catching the measles is entirely preventable, but it spreads extremely quickly where vaccination levels are low. By checking your family’s vaccination status and taking up the free NHS vaccine, you are protecting not only yourselves but also vulnerable members of our community.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. We urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to act now.”
