A significant measles outbreak is currently affecting children in northeast London, with health officials confirming a “big” increase in cases, particularly among unvaccinated children under the age of 10. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 34 laboratory-confirmed cases in Enfield from January 1 to , with more than 60 suspected cases reported across seven schools and a nursery in Enfield.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through coughs and sneezes, and by touching contaminated surfaces. While many individuals recover, the disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and, in rare instances, long-term disability or even death. Early symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, watery eyes, followed by a blotchy red-brown rash that typically begins on the face and spreads across the body.
The outbreak is occurring against a backdrop of declining vaccination rates across the UK. Currently, approximately 84% of children have received both doses of the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella – chickenpox) by the age of five, falling short of the 95% coverage needed to maintain herd immunity and prevent widespread outbreaks. Enfield specifically has one of the lowest MMRV uptake rates in the country, with only 64.3% of five-year-olds having received both doses in .
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized the severity of the situation. “Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised,” she stated. She further highlighted the preventable nature of the disease, noting that measles is “easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.”
The impact of the outbreak is already being felt locally. One in five children hospitalized with measles during this recent outbreak had not been fully immunized, according to a message posted on the Ordnance Unity Centre for Health GP surgery website in Enfield. Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield council’s cabinet member for health and social care, confirmed that the outbreak has “mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital.” She underscored the highly infectious nature of measles, stating it is “approximately six times more infectious than Covid-19.”
Health officials are concerned about the potential for wider spread. Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, is writing to all parents in the area to encourage vaccination. Temporary vaccination centers have been established in schools throughout the borough to increase immunization levels. Sher-Arami warned that the outbreak has the potential to cause a “much greater and bigger pan-London outbreak” due to the interconnectedness of the city.
Modeling by the UKHSA suggests that a large measles outbreak in London could result in between and infections. This concern is heightened by the fact that the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles, following the reporting of almost infections since .
The decline in vaccination rates is attributed, in part, to misinformation surrounding the MMR vaccine. Despite being thoroughly debunked, false claims linking the vaccine to autism continue to circulate on social media and within some communities, contributing to vaccine hesitancy. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Dr. Saliba urged families to ensure their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, particularly with Easter holidays approaching and increased travel plans. “With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated, as measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe,” she said. The MMRV vaccine is free and available through the NHS.
Measles is a preventable disease, and vaccination remains the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from its potentially serious consequences. Parents are encouraged to check their family’s vaccination records and contact their GP or local health services to schedule any necessary vaccinations.
