North London measles outbreak infects 50 children
A measles outbreak in north London leaves 50 children with confirmed cases of the virus.
The statement comes after the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said an outbreak at schools and nurseries in north-east London was affecting unvaccinated children under 10, with some requiring hospital treatment.
Previously, 34 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles were reported in Enfield between January 1 and February 9.
However, the latest data from the UKHSA shows measles cases continue to rise in London, driven by the outbreak in Enfield, with 50 confirmed cases in the borough by 16 February. The agency also confirmed 10 cases in neighboring Haringey borough and 23 in Birmingham.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to affect humans, starting as a cold-like virus and developing a rash a few days later. But it can trigger serious complications such as ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), blindness, breathing problems, or pneumonia.
The World Health Organization recommends that at least 95 percent of children receive vaccine doses for each disease to achieve herd immunity. But uptake of the MMRV vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, is currently at record lows, especially in UK cities.
Just 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the vaccine in 2024-2025; This is one of the lowest rates in the country.
The vaccination rate in all London boroughs is below 80 per cent, according to data showing how many five-year-olds have received both vaccine doses in 2024-2025. In Haringey, 65 per cent of patients and in Hackney only 58.3 per cent had received both doses of the vaccine.
Since 1 January 2026, 130 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles have been reported in England. Around 68 per cent of these are in London and 22 per cent in the West Midlands, according to UKHSA data.
While the majority of cases (34.6 percent) occur in children aged 5 to 10 years, the second most affected age group is children aged 1 to 4 years, with 29.2 percent. Babies under one year old constitute 12.3 percent of the cases.
UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr. Vanessa Saliba said: “The epidemic is still affecting unvaccinated children under 10 years of age, mostly in schools and nurseries. We expect the actual number of cases to be higher due to the time delay in confirming cases through laboratory tests.”
“The outbreak has led to some children being hospitalized. Measles is a nasty disease for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long-term complications and tragic death, but it can be prevented very easily with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.”
“All parents want what’s best for their child; if they’ve missed any doses or are unsure, contact your doctor’s office. It’s never too late to look into it.”
“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease and will also help protect more vulnerable children in their environment who may not be able to receive the vaccine because they are too young or have weakened immune systems.”
