North London Measles Outbreak Infects 50 Children as Vaccination Rates Plummet
A significant measles outbreak in North London has now infected 50 children, with health officials warning that the actual number of cases is likely higher due to delays in laboratory testing. The outbreak, primarily affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10 in schools and nurseries, has led to some hospitalisations and raised serious concerns about public health.
Enfield at the Epicentre with Alarmingly Low Vaccination Uptake
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the outbreak is being driven by cases in the London borough of Enfield, where 50 confirmed measles cases were reported up to 16 February 2026. This follows an earlier report of 34 laboratory-confirmed cases in Enfield from 1 January to 9 February. The situation is exacerbated by neighbouring Haringey, which has recorded 10 cases, and Birmingham with 23 cases.
Critically, vaccination rates in Enfield are among the lowest in the country. Just 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the MMRV vaccine in the 2024-2025 period. This falls far short of the World Health Organisation's recommendation of at least 95 per cent coverage to achieve herd immunity.
National Context and the Dangers of Measles
Since 1 January 2026, England has seen 130 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 68 per cent occurring in London and 22 per cent in the West Midlands. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases affecting humans, starting with cold-like symptoms and progressing to a rash. It can lead to severe complications including ear infections, encephalitis (brain swelling), blindness, breathing problems, and pneumonia.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasised the gravity of the situation: "The outbreak is still mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries. With the time lag involved with confirming cases through laboratory testing, we expect the actual number of cases to be higher."
Urgent Calls for Vaccination from Health Authorities
Dr Saliba further warned: "The outbreak has led to some children having to be hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long-term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine."
She urged parents to take immediate action: "All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up. The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease, and also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due a weakened immune system."
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, yet uptake is at record lows in many UK cities. This outbreak underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of dangerous infectious diseases and protecting community health.
