A “FAST-spreading” measles outbreak in the UK has left dozens of children requiring hospital treatment.
Dozens of cases of the illness – which can lead to serious complications – have been reported at schools in north London.
There were 34 laboratory-confirmed cases in Enfield, from January 1 to February 9, prompting fears of
More than 60 suspected cases of measles have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in the same borough, the Sunday Times reported.
While many people recover, the illness can sometimes lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation and in rare cases, long-term disability or death.
A message posted on the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health GP surgery said there was a “fast-spreading measles outbreak in several schools across Enfield”.
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The GP surgery added: “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 have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
“Parents should ensure that their children are up-to-date with all their immunisations.”
The outbreak comes just weeks after the UK was stripped of its measles-free status by the World Health Organisation.
It followed a surge in cases, including the death of a child, in England in 2024.
Enfield Council said it was “working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the NHS and local partners to respond to a confirmed outbreak of measles in the borough”.
Its cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, said: “We are following national public health guidance to manage the situation, protecting residents and limiting further spread.
“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.”
Currently, there is no treatment for measles, only the vaccination to prevent catching it, which is part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) injection.