'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak hits several schools in London

Tens of children have been infected by a "fast-spreading" measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.

There were 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield in January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported.

A local GP surgery said one in five children who contracted the illness had been admitted to hospital, all of whom "had not been fully immunised".

Families have been urged to ensure their children are up to date with their immunisations against the highly contagious disease, which can cause serious health complications.

Enfield's NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health said on its website that there was a "fast-spreading measles outbreak in several schools" across the borough.

It said infections had been confirmed in "at least" seven schools in Enfield and neighbouring Haringey.

Enfield Councillor Alev Cazimoglu said the current outbreak had "mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital".

She added: "Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. We urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to act now."

Enfield Council said it was was working closely with the UKHSA, the NHS and local partners to limit further spread in accordance with national public health guidance.

Dr Vanessa Saliba from the UKHSA said the "big" outbreak was "mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries".

She said: "Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV [measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox] vaccine."

Children who had missed doses should "catch up as soon as possible" to protect themselves and other children who are too young to be vaccinated or unable to do so for health reasons, she added.

Dr Saliba also urged those travelling abroad over the Easter holidays to check their vaccination status because "measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK, and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe".

Measles cases have been rising in the UK and in parts of the globe, with the increase blamed in part on poor uptake of the vaccine.

UKHSA figures for 2024-25 showed that 84.4% of children across the UK had received two MMR doses by their fifth birthday. The recommended figure is 95%.

The figure was 84.5% in 2023-24, down from a high of 88.8% reached in 2014-15.

In January, the World Health Organization announced the UK had lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks in 2024.

What is measles and what are the symptoms?

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes or by touching things that someone with measles has coughed or sneezed on.

Small white spots may appear inside the mouth.

A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically behind the ears and on the face, before spreading.

The rash may be harder to detect on brown and black skin.