A significant measles outbreak is spreading across the United Kingdom, with dozens more children confirmed infected, raising urgent public health alarms. The outbreak, primarily affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, has now been confirmed in multiple regions, including London and the West Midlands.
North London at the Epicentre of the Crisis
In North London, the outbreak has led to 50 confirmed cases in Enfield up to 16 February 2026, with additional infections reported in neighbouring Haringey. This cluster is part of a broader surge in measles cases across England, which has recorded 130 laboratory-confirmed instances since 1 January 2024. The majority of these cases, approximately 68%, are concentrated in London, while 22% are in the West Midlands, highlighting a worrying geographic spread.
Low Vaccination Rates Fueling the Spread
The outbreak is largely driven by critically low vaccination uptake, particularly in areas like Enfield. Data reveals that only 64.3% of five-year-olds in Enfield received both doses of the MMRV vaccine during the 2024-2025 period. This figure falls far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity, leaving communities vulnerable to rapid transmission. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has emphasised that this low coverage is a key factor in the outbreak's persistence and expansion.
Health Impacts and Hospitalisations
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, has led to severe complications among infected children, with some requiring hospital treatment. The disease primarily spreads in settings such as schools and nurseries, where unvaccinated children are at heightened risk. Health officials warn that measles can cause serious health issues, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and in rare cases, death, underscoring the importance of vaccination.
UKHSA Urges Immediate Vaccination Catch-Up
The UKHSA is actively urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, stressing that it is never too late to catch up on missed doses. In a statement, the agency highlighted the preventable nature of measles through timely immunisation and called for increased public awareness to curb the outbreak. They recommend that all children receive the MMRV vaccine as per the national schedule to protect individual health and community safety.
As the outbreak continues to evolve, health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with concerns that further cases may emerge if vaccination rates do not improve. Parents and caregivers are advised to check their children's vaccination records and consult healthcare providers promptly to address any gaps in immunisation.
