More than 60 children left infected with ‘fast spreading’ measles in London
A measles outbreak has infected dozens of children in schools across north London and left a number in hospital.
More than 60 suspected cases of the potentially deadly disease have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, according to the Sunday Times.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the north London borough from the beginning of the year until February 9.
Every parent in the area is being written to by Enfield’s director of public health as officials battle to stop the infection spreading across London.
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Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Most people recover, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent become sick or spreading the disease.
A message posted on the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health GP surgery said there was a ‘fast spreading measles outbreak in several schools across Enfield’.
The GP surgery added: ‘Infections have been confirmed across at least seven schools in Enfield and Haringey and it is spreading.
‘During this recent outbreak, one in five children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
‘Parents should ensure that their children are up-to-date with all their immunisations.’
Measles can be prevented through vaccination, which is available as part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) injection.
However, Enfield is said to have one of the lowest uptake rates for the two-shot vaccine in the country.
Temporary vaccination clinics have been held in schools throughout the borough to try reverse the trend.
What are the signs of measles?
According to the NHS, measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
The measles rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They’re not usually itchy.
Enfield Council said it was ‘working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the NHS and local partners to respond to a confirmed outbreak of measles in the borough’.
Its cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, said: ‘We are following national public health guidance to manage the situation, protecting residents and limiting further spread.
‘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.’
How to get vaccinated for measles
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Children are also now offered the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
According to the NHS, if you or your child needs the MMR vaccine, your GP surgery will be able to arrange it.
Your child may also be able to get it through their school.
If you need the MMR vaccine for your work, you should also be able to get it through your employer’s occupational health service.
Last month, the World Health Organisation declared the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
According to UK Health Security Agency figures 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in 2024-25.
This is the lowest level since 2010-2011.
WHO recommends at least 95% of children should receive vaccine doses for each illness to achieve herd immunity.
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