'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak in London leaves dozens of children infected

A measles outbreak has spread across several schools in north London, with some children needing hospital treatment.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 34 confirmed measles cases in Enfield between 1 January and 9 February.

The cases in the London borough represent more than a third of the 96 cases so far confirmed across England by health officials this year.

According to a local GP surgery, one in five of the children infected in the recent outbreak needed hospital treatment "and all of them had not been fully immunised".

Enfield's NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health said there was a "fast spreading measles outbreak in several schools across Enfield".

"Infections have been confirmed across at least seven schools in Enfield and Haringey and it is spreading," the GP surgery said.

"Parents should ensure that their children are up-to-date with all their immunisations."

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

The virus causes cold-like symptoms, a rash and spots in the mouth.

While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and in rare cases, long-term disability or even death.

The UKHSA has warned modelling of a large-scale measles outbreak in London could lead to between 40,000 to 160,000 infections.

The modelling released in a report titled "Risk assessment for measles resurgence in the UK", estimated that hospitalisation rates would range from 20% to 40% depending on age.

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Falling immunisation rates have stoked fears of a widespread outbreak of the virus, with the World Health Organisation warning that Britain had lost its measles elimination status last month.

Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield's director of public health, told The Sunday Times that London had "one of the lowest, if not the lowest, vaccination uptake rates" in the country, making the capital especially vulnerable to an outbreak.

Enfield Council said it was "working closely with the UKHSA, the NHS and local partners to respond to a confirmed outbreak of measles in the borough".

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, who is cabinet member for health and social care, said: "We are following national public health guidance to manage the situation, protecting residents and limiting further spread."

While there is no treatment for measles, vaccination can prevent it.

Two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) injection can provide high levels of protection and help prevent further outbreaks.

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak in London leaves dozens of children infected