A fast-spreading measles outbreak has infected at least 34 children across several schools in north London, raising concerns among public health officials and prompting urgent calls for vaccination.
Laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in January by the UK Health Security Agency, which described the outbreak as significant and largely concentrated among unvaccinated children under the age of 10.
The majority of infections have been recorded in the London borough of Enfield, with additional cases identified in neighbouring Haringey.
Health authorities confirmed that the 34 cases in Enfield represent more than one-third of the 96 measles cases recorded across England during the first month of the year. Officials say the figure highlights the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease within school and nursery settings.
According to information published by the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health, at least seven schools across the borough have reported confirmed infections.
The medical centre also revealed that approximately one in five infected children required hospital treatment. All hospitalised patients were reported to have incomplete immunisation records.
Local officials have expressed concern about declining vaccination rates, which experts say are contributing to the resurgence of measles cases.
Data released last August showed that only 64.3 percent of five-year-old children in Enfield had received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine during the 2024–25 period, significantly below the 95 percent threshold recommended for herd immunity.
National figures from the National Health Service show that 84.4 percent of children across the UK received both MMR doses by their fifth birthday, a level still below the recommended target. Vaccination uptake has steadily declined from 88.8 percent recorded during the 2014–15 period.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist involved in the outbreak response, warned that measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, death.
She emphasised that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong protection against infection and reduce transmission within communities.
Health experts are also advising families planning international travel, particularly during upcoming school holidays, to verify their children’s vaccination status.
Officials noted that measles remains widespread in several countries with strong travel links to the United Kingdom, increasing the risk of imported cases.
Global concerns about declining vaccination coverage were reinforced after the World Health Organization announced that the United Kingdom lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks recorded in 2024.
The development marked a significant setback for national public health progress.
Measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Early symptoms include high fever, red and watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, followed by distinctive white spots inside the mouth and a blotchy rash that usually spreads across the body.
Public health officials continue to urge parents to attend free catch-up vaccination clinics, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective way to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable members of the community.
