Fast-Spreading Measles Outbreak Infects At Least 34 Children In North London

Fast-Spreading Measles Outbreak Infects At Least 34 Children in North London Schools Health officials in London have confirmed that at least 34 children have been infected in a “fast-spreading” measles outbreak affecting several schools in north-east London’s Enfield borough, with health authorities warning the situation could worsen without increased vaccination uptake.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield between 1 January and 9 February 2026. The outbreak is mainly centred in at least seven schools and one nursery across Enfield and neighbouring Haringey.
Health officials say there are also over 60 suspected infections in the area, signalling broader spread beyond those confirmed cases.
Local medical staff reported that one in five children infected in the current outbreak has required hospital treatment.
All hospitalised cases involved children who were not fully immunised, highlighting the importance of vaccination coverage.
Measles is extremely contagious much more so than many other infectious diseases and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated groups of young children. Health authorities continue to urge parents to check their children’s vaccination status and to make sure they receive two doses of the measles-containing vaccine (part of the MMR/M RRV schedule).
Temporary vaccination clinics have been set up in local schools and community sites to help families catch up on missed doses.
Officials emphasise that vaccination is the most effective protection against measles, which has no specific cure.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist with UKHSA, described the outbreak as significant and mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 the group most vulnerable to serious measles complications.Enfield’s public health director warned that parts of London have very low MMR/M RRV vaccine uptake, increasing the risk of larger outbreaks if action isn’t taken.
Measles can cause high fever, rash, cough and cold-like symptoms, and in severe cases lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, long-term disability, or death all preventable with full vaccination.
Recent UK health data show that London’s vaccination rates are below levels needed for herd immunity, meaning the virus can spread much more easily in school environments.
A fast-spreading measles outbreak in north London, confirmed by the UKHSA, has infected at least 34 children in several schools and nurseries, with multiple hospital admissions reported. The outbreak is linked to low vaccination coverage in the area, prompting urgent calls from health officials for parents to ensure children are up to date with their immunisations. Temporary clinics and public health outreach are underway to help contain the spread and protect vulnerable children.