London Measles Outbreak: Schools Affected & Rising Cases – UK Update

A measles outbreak is currently affecting children in north London, with cases reported across at least seven schools and a nursery in the Enfield and Haringey boroughs. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations as the outbreak continues to spread.

As of February 9, 2026, 34 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles have been identified in Enfield since January 12, 2026. More than 60 suspected cases have been reported overall. According to Evergreen GP Surgery in Edmonton, one in five children hospitalized with measles during this outbreak had not been fully immunized.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash then develops, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. While most people recover, measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, in rare cases, death.

The current outbreak is primarily affecting children under 10 in schools and nurseries, according to Dr. Vanessa Saliba from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This aligns with national trends showing that vaccination rates for childhood diseases are falling. UKHSA data indicates that only 91.9% of five-year-olds have received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine, the lowest level since the 2010-11 academic year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a vaccination coverage rate of at least 95% to achieve herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants too young to receive the MMR vaccine or individuals with certain medical conditions. The current vaccination rates in Enfield and across England fall short of this target, increasing the risk of outbreaks like the one currently underway.

Enfield Council is working closely with the UKHSA, the NHS, and local partners to limit the further spread of the infection, following national public health guidance. Parents in the area are being contacted directly by Enfield’s director of public health with information about the outbreak and the importance of vaccination.

The NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health has issued a warning about the “fast-spreading measles outbreak” in several schools across Enfield. The surgery emphasizes that there is no specific treatment for measles other than supportive care to manage symptoms. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It has been updated to also protect against chickenpox, and is now known as the MMRV vaccine. Parents are advised to check their child’s “red book” (immunization record) or contact their GP practice to ensure their child is up to date with all recommended vaccinations.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu of Enfield stated that the outbreak has “mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital.” This underscores the potential severity of the illness, even in otherwise healthy children.

The outbreak in London comes amid broader concerns about declining vaccination rates globally. Recent reports indicate that measles cases are rising in other parts of the world, including the United States, where more than 900 cases have been reported in 24 states. This highlights the interconnectedness of global health and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage rates to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.

Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect children from measles and other serious infectious diseases. They urge parents to act now to ensure their children are fully immunized and to help prevent further spread of the outbreak.