Fast-spreading measles outbreak takes hold among under-10s in north London | MMR
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that a major measles outbreak in north-east London is affecting unvaccinated children under 10.
UKHSA had previously reported 34 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles among children attending schools and nurseries in Enfield from January 1 to February 9; Some of them required hospital treatment.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. Although many people recover, the disease can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and in rare cases, long-term disability or death.
Consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr. Vanessa Saliba said: “Our latest data shows that we are currently seeing a major measles outbreak in north-east London, affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, mostly in schools and nurseries, with some being admitted to hospital.
“Measles is a terrible disease for any child, but for some it can lead to long-term complications and, tragically, death, but [it] It can be easily prevented with two doses of medication. MMRV vaccine.” By adding chickenpox (varicella) to the vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) was replaced by MMRV.
Saliba urged parents to make sure their children do not miss any doses. He said: “With the Easter holidays fast approaching, with measles endemic in some countries with close links to the UK and ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe, it is a timely reminder for families traveling abroad to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated.”
Global health officials said earlier this year that the UK was no longer considered to have eliminated measles following the report. almost 4,000 infections Since 2024.
The outbreak comes at a time when uptake of the MMRV vaccine is declining across the UK; only 84% of children received both doses by age five; This is well below the 95% level needed to prevent outbreaks.
Enfield has one of the lowest MMRV vaccine uptake rates in the country, according to UKHSA figures from last August. These figures show only 64.3% of five-year-olds in the county have received both doses in 2024-25.
The Sunday Times reported that more than 60 suspected cases of measles had been reported at seven schools and one nursery in Enfield.
A message published on the GP surgery website of the county’s Ordnance Corps Center for Health described a “rapidly spreading measles outbreak”. “During this latest outbreak, one in five children was hospitalized with measles, and not all were fully vaccinated,” the statement said.
Alev Cazimoğlu, Enfield council’s cabinet member for health and social services, said: “The current outbreak has mainly affected children, with some requiring additional care with short stays in hospital. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It is approximately six times more contagious than Covid-19.”
“Catching measles is completely preventable, but it spreads extremely quickly in areas where vaccination levels are low. By checking your family’s vaccination status and getting the free NHS vaccine, you are protecting not only yourself but also vulnerable members of our society.”
Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, is writing to every parent in the area to control the spread of the disease. In order to increase immunization levels, temporary vaccination centers were established in schools in the district.
Sher-Arami told the Sunday Times that the outbreak had the potential to cause a “much larger London-wide epidemic” as people travel across the city for work and school.
He said low average vaccination figures citywide mask important areas with very low uptake, creating prime areas for measles to spread.
Modeling of the major measles outbreak in London by UKHSA suggests: 40,000 to 160,000 people may be infected. A child died of measles in Liverpool last July following a small outbreak.
It’s been there since the beginning of the year 96 confirmed cases Three quarters of measles cases in England affect children under 10. Enfield has the highest number, followed by Birmingham.
There is no specific treatment for measles, only vaccines to prevent contracting it.
Although vaccination has been proven safe and effective, debunked claims that the injection is linked to autism have persisted on social media and among some ethnic minority communities, contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
Measles spreads through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces, making it extremely easy to spread in schools. Early symptoms They include high fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, watery eyes. A red-brown splotchy rash usually appears after a few days, starting on the face before spreading throughout the body.
