World

Big measles outbreak affecting London children under 10

Feb 16, 2026

A health worker prepares a measles jab — Families in London have been urged to catch up on missed measles jabs, as an outbreak takes hold. -AP

A "big measles outbreak" in parts of London is affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed.

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It said the outbreak in schools and nurseries in north-east London had left some children requiring hospital treatment.

The agency had previously reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from January 1 to February 9.

More than 60 suspected cases of measles have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, the Sunday Times reports.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated.

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.

"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 vaccine," said Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency.

"If your child has missed any of their doses, it's important to catch up as soon as possible, giving them vital protection against this highly contagious disease, but also helping to protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition."

She said with Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated.

Global health officials announced earlier this year the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.

Figures published last August by the UK Health Security Agency showed just 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25 - one of the lowest rates in the country.

Enfield Council said it is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the National Health Service and local partners to respond to a confirmed outbreak of measles in the borough.

There is no treatment for measles, only the vaccination to prevent catching it, which is part of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) MMRV injection.

Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide high levels of protection and help prevent further outbreaks.