The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a major measles outbreak in north-east London, primarily affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10. From 1 January to 9 February, 34 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported among children attending schools and nurseries in Enfield, with some requiring hospital treatment.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread easily among unvaccinated individuals. While many recover, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, long-term disability or death. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, especially with Easter holidays approaching and travel abroad increasing the risk of exposure.
The outbreak occurs amid declining MMRV vaccine uptake across the UK. Only about 84% of children receive both doses by age five, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Enfield has one of the lowest uptake rates, with just 64.3% of five-year-olds fully vaccinated in 2024-25. Temporary vaccination centres have been set up in schools to boost immunisation levels.
Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield's director of public health, warned the outbreak could escalate into a pan-London epidemic. Modelling by UKHSA suggests a large outbreak in London could infect between 40,000 and 160,000 people. Since the start of the year, 96 measles cases have been confirmed in England, with three-quarters in children under 10. Enfield has the highest numbers, followed by Birmingham.
There is no specific treatment for measles; vaccination is the only prevention. Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield council's cabinet member for health, emphasised that measles is six times more infectious than Covid-19 and urged families to check their vaccination status.
