The growing measles outbreak is spreading across North London, with 50 cases now confirmed in Enfield and 10 in Haringey
The Government has issued an update over the North London measles outbreak which hospitalised several children. Measles cases continue to rise in north London, with most infections among unvaccinated young children.
There have been 50 confirmed cases of the virus in the borough of Enfield up to February 16, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The actual number could be much higher because of a time lag on lab testing, health chiefs warned. The growing measles outbreak is spreading across North London, with 50 cases now confirmed in Enfield and 10 in Haringey.
UKHSA figures show that between January 1 and February 16, there have been 130 confirmed measles cases in England, an increase of 34 since the agency’s last report on February 12. In Enfield, the epicentre of the latest outbreak, one in three children are not fully protected against measles. The latest figures show just 64.3% of youngsters received both doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine by their fifth birthday – well below the target rate of 95%. In neighbouring Haringey, just 65.0% of five-year-olds were fully protected.
Two-thirds of measles cases this year have been seen in London. Most of the remaining cases have been diagnosed in the West Midlands, with 23 cases seen in Birmingham.
Activity is being driven by the outbreak in north London, which is impacting schools and nurseries and has left some children requiring hospital treatment. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The outbreak is still mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries.
“With the time lag involved with confirming cases through laboratory testing, we expect the actual number of cases to be higher. The outbreak has led to some children having to be hospitalised.
“Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.
“All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up.
“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease, but also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due to a weakened immune system.”
You can see the latest vaccine rates and the number of measles cases confirmed so far this year and in 2025 and 2024 across the nation using our interactive map:
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. Measles spreads very easily and can lead to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain
While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.
Earlier this week a number of other counties also issued warnings to parents. Southend City Council said rising cases in Enfield mean they are “likely to reach Essex, Southend and Thurrock” and urged parents to check if their children are protected.
The outbreak comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
The announcement in January follows a plateau in vaccination coverage and a surge in cases, with 3,681 cases recorded in the UK in 2024.
The latest UKHSA data shows that 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in England in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest level since 2010/11.
Just 83.7% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses, down year-on-year from 83.9% and the lowest level since 2009/10.
Dr Josephine Sauvage, local GP and Chief Medical Officer, North Central London Integrated Care Board said: “We want to thank local GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals and trust colleagues across the NHS who are working extremely hard to respond to the measles outbreak.
“GP practices are continuing to contact unvaccinated patients, offering additional appointments, including out-of-hours clinics, to make it as easy as possible for families to get protected.
“The MMR vaccine is proven over decades to be safe, effective and the best way to protect your child and your wider family.
“If your child is not up to date, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment. If you’re not registered with a GP, you can do so quickly and easily, or attend one of the local catch-up vaccination clinics – https://www.schoolvaccination.uk/catch-up-clinics
“Measles is highly infectious. Symptoms include a high temperature, cold-like symptoms and a blotchy rash that usually starts on the face.
“If you think your child may have measles, please call NHS 111 or your GP for advice before attending in person, to help prevent the infection spreading further.”
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