The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced a significant measles outbreak affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in certain areas of London. The contagion has been predominantly noted in schools and nurseries in north-east London, leading to hospitalisation for some children.

The number of cases is raising alarm: 34 laboratory-confirmed measles instances were reported in Enfield between January 1 and February 9. The Sunday Times has disclosed over 60 suspected cases across seven schools and one nursery in the region.

A recent NHS alert on X for the MMRV vaccination describes its ability to 'protect' children. It reads: "MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness and protect children as they grow. Your GP will be in touch when your child is due."

The NHS warns that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily among those who are not fully vaccinated. Whilst recovery is typical, the disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.

This development comes after global health officials announced earlier this year that the UK no longer holds its status as having eliminated measles. On January 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the UK has lost its measles elimination status, reports the Mirror.

Vaccination coverage in the affected region remains concerningly low. Data released by the UKHSA last August revealed that just 64.3% of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25, the lowest rate nationally.

At present, no treatment exists for measles; vaccination remains the sole preventative measure, administered through the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) jab. Health authorities emphasise that two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide robust protection and are essential for averting future outbreaks.

A notice currently displayed on the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre for Health GP surgery's website warned of a "fast-spreading measles outbreak in several schools across Enfield". It continued: "Infections have been confirmed across at least seven schools in Enfield and Haringey, and it is spreading. During this recent outbreak, one in five children has been hospitalised due to measles, and all of them had not been fully immunised."

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

Alev Cazimoglu, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: "The current outbreak has mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital. Measles is one of the most infectious known diseases. It is approximately six times more infectious than Covid-19.

"Catching the measles is entirely preventable, but it spreads extremely quickly where vaccination levels are low. By checking your family’s vaccination status and taking up the free NHS vaccine, you are protecting not only yourselves but also vulnerable members of our community. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. We urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to act now."

What are the symptoms of measles?

According to the NHS: "Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth".

Initial symptoms of measles include:

• a high temperature
• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• red, sore, watery eyes
• spots in the mouth

The NHS states: "Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days. A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

"The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin."

Measles is often called a "Victorian-era illness" because it was one of the main causes of death among children in the 19th century. Even though it occurred before and after that time, it became associated with that era because of how severely it affected crowded, dirty cities during the Victorian period.

What is the MMRV jab?

The MMRV vaccination provides protection against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and chickenpox. Children typically receive it at 12 and 18 months of age, though some older youngsters are also eligible.

GP surgeries normally get in touch regarding children's MMRV vaccinations through letter, text message, telephone or email.

According to the NHS: "The MMRV vaccine is recommended for young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. The number of doses children are given depends on when they were born. Some older children will have already had one or two doses of the MMR vaccine which also protects against measles, mumps and rubella, but not chickenpox."

What have other officials said?

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, stated: "Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long-term complications and tragically death, which is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.

"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.

"With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated, as measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe."