Measles Outbreak Uk pushes cases higher in north London
Local health figures show the measles outbreak uk has deepened in north London, with 16 new cases recorded in Enfield in the past week and 10 new cases in neighbouring Haringey, as authorities move to contain transmission among young children.
Measles Outbreak Uk spreads across boroughs
UK Health Security Agency figures covering 1 January to 16 February put the national confirmed total at 130 cases, with 34 of those identified between 12 and 16 February, and 50 confirmed cases located within Enfield's boundaries.
Separately, recent local releases show 16 new cases in Enfield in the past week and 10 in Haringey, bringing the total number of recorded measles cases in London to 88 since the beginning of the year, with the majority of infections occurring in children under 10 years old.
Why vaccination gaps matter in this outbreak
Vaccination coverage is low in the areas hardest hit: the average measles vaccination rate in England for 2024–2025 was 83. 7%, while London fell to 69. 6% and Enfield to 64. 3%.
Health teams are taking vaccination programmes into communities and places of worship to try to raise uptake. Dr Oge Ilozue, a GP and senior clinical adviser for the NHS London Vaccination Programme, warned that misinformation online and some complacency are factors behind low take-up and urged fuller vaccination to prevent serious complications.
Life-threatening cases and the national picture
Health officials have noted hospitalisations from the current outbreak; the national picture has also worsened in recent years. Last year, 3, 681 cases were recorded UK-wide in 2024, with 2, 911 of those in England, and transmission has been continuous since 2023 after a previous lull.
A patient account highlighted the illness's severity: one person needed a week in hospital and three months off work after contracting measles, describing an episode so severe family members feared she might not survive the night.
Local councils and public health partners are warning of further spread: one council said rising cases in Enfield make it likely infections will reach nearby areas in Essex, and Haringey they are working with national partners, NHS teams and Enfield Council to protect residents and limit spread. Parents in affected areas have been told some children could be excluded from school if they are not fully vaccinated and have been in contact with someone with measles.
The government has launched a wider campaign to improve childhood vaccination uptake for measles and other jabs for under-fives, and catch-up clinics are available around the country. Health teams say anyone unsure about their child’s vaccination status should contact their GP surgery to arrange missing doses.
