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A rapidly spreading measles outbreak in north London has infected dozens of children, prompting health officials to warn that unvaccinated pupils could be temporarily excluded from school and required to continue lessons from home.
Health authorities have confirmed that at least 34 children have tested positive for measles in the borough of Enfield since the beginning of the year, with several cases severe enough to require hospital treatment. In addition, more than 60 suspected infections have been reported across seven schools and one nursery, raising concerns about wider transmission.
A local GP practice revealed that around one in five infected children had been admitted to hospital, noting that those affected had not been fully vaccinated. Measles is an airborne viral illness known for its extreme contagiousness and ability to cause serious complications, particularly among young children and vulnerable individuals.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the laboratory-verified cases recorded in Enfield up to February 9 and said monitoring efforts were continuing as officials work to prevent the outbreak from spreading further across London.
In response, Enfield’s director of public health, Dudu Sher-Arami, has begun writing to parents throughout the borough, warning that unvaccinated children who come into close contact with an infected person may be excluded from school for up to 21 days. In such cases, affected pupils would be expected to continue their education remotely.
The council has also urged anyone experiencing measles-like symptoms to self-isolate, particularly to avoid contact with high-risk groups such as infants under one year old, people with weakened immune systems, and unvaccinated pregnant women.
To curb the outbreak, free catch-up vaccination clinics are being offered across several London boroughs, including Havering, Tower Hamlets, Barnet, Camden, Newham and Islington. Temporary vaccination centres have also been set up in schools across Enfield to improve immunisation rates.
A notice issued by the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre for Health GP surgery warned that measles infections have been confirmed in multiple schools across Enfield and neighbouring Haringey, describing the situation as fast-moving. The practice reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective form of protection.
Measles can be prevented through immunisation, typically delivered as part of the MMR vaccine. However, Enfield is reported to have one of the lowest uptake rates for the recommended two-dose course in the country.
Enfield Council said it is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the NHS and local partners to manage the outbreak and protect residents. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, cabinet member for health and social care, stressed that measles is among the most infectious diseases known, spreading far more easily than Covid-19 when vaccination levels fall.
She urged families to check their immunisation status and take advantage of free NHS vaccines, highlighting that vaccination not only protects individuals but also shields the wider community.
The outbreak comes as the World Health Organisation recently declared that the UK no longer meets the criteria for measles elimination. Official data shows that fewer than 92 per cent of five-year-olds received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024–25 — the lowest level recorded in more than a decade. Health experts warn that coverage of at least 95 per cent is needed to achieve herd immunity.
Authorities continue to stress that increasing vaccination rates is critical to halting the spread and preventing further disruption to schools and families.
