Measles Outbreak Intensifies Among Young Children in North London
Health authorities have confirmed a significant measles outbreak in north-east London, primarily impacting unvaccinated children under the age of ten. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that more than 60 suspected cases have been identified across seven schools and a nursery in the Enfield area, raising urgent concerns about public health and immunisation efforts.
Confirmed Cases and Hospitalisations
Between January 1 and February 9, the UKHSA documented 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases among children attending educational settings in Enfield. Some of these cases required hospital treatment, highlighting the severity of the illness. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads easily among individuals who are not fully vaccinated, potentially leading to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare instances, long-term disability or death.
Expert Warnings and Vaccination Urgency
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasised the gravity of the situation. "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," she stated. "Measles is a nasty illness for any child but for some it can lead to long-term complications and, tragically, death, but it is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine." The MMRV vaccine, which includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, has replaced the previous MMR vaccine.
With the Easter holidays approaching, Dr Saliba urged families to ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccinations, especially when travelling overseas. "Measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe," she added, stressing the importance of immunisation to prevent further spread.
Declining Vaccination Rates and Local Impact
The outbreak coincides with a national decline in MMRV vaccine uptake. Only about 84% of children in the UK receive both doses by age five, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Enfield has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, with UKHSA figures from last August showing just 64.3% of five-year-olds in the borough received both doses in 2024-25.
Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield council’s cabinet member for health and social care, warned that measles 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," she said. "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."
Public Health Response and Containment Efforts
In response to the outbreak, Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, is writing to every parent in the area to encourage vaccination and contain the disease. Temporary vaccination centres have been established in schools across the borough to boost immunisation levels. Sher-Arami expressed concern that the outbreak could escalate into a larger pan-London crisis as people travel for work and school, noting that low vaccination figures mask pockets of very low uptake that facilitate measles spread.
UKHSA modelling suggests a large measles outbreak in London could infect between 40,000 and 160,000 people. Since the start of the year, England has recorded 96 confirmed measles cases, with three-quarters affecting children under 10. Enfield has reported the highest numbers, followed by Birmingham.
Challenges and Misinformation
There is no specific treatment for measles, making vaccination the only effective prevention method. Despite the vaccine's proven safety and efficacy, persistent misinformation linking it to autism, particularly on social media and within some minority ethnic communities, continues to contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Measles spreads through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces, with early symptoms including high fever, runny nose, coughing, and red, watery eyes, followed by a blotchy red-brown rash.
This outbreak underscores the critical need for increased immunisation efforts to protect children and prevent future health crises in London and beyond.
