Measles outbreak in north London hits Enfield schools
In January, a measles outbreak in north London led to 34 confirmed cases in Enfield, with several children admitted to hospital and health officials urging families to check vaccination records as infections spread through local schools.
Cases have been identified in at least seven schools across Enfield and neighbouring Haringey, with most involving children under 10 who had not received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Local GPs report that around one in five infected children required a short hospital stay.
London News — More from EyeOnLondon
Recent reporting shaping policy, culture and public life across the capital.
Recognised river swimming area on the Thames
A newly recognised Thames swimming stretch raises questions about safety, access and river quality in London.
Read the storyStrategic licensing policy to boost London’s hospitality and nightlife
A licensing shift aims to support hospitality while balancing borough control and resident concerns.
Read the storyCarriage designed by Baz Luhrmann unveiled in London
A theatrical carriage design brings cinematic influence to a London transport project with heritage overtones.
Read the storyEnfield Council said it is working alongside national health protection teams and NHS partners to contain the outbreak in line with public health guidance. Schools have been advised to reinforce exclusion policies and circulate vaccination reminders to parents.
Vaccination levels below target
The measles outbreak in north London comes amid wider concern about falling immunisation rates. National data show that 84.4 per cent of children had received two doses of MMR by their fifth birthday in 2024–25, below the 95 per cent level considered necessary to prevent sustained transmission.
Public health officials warn that measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces. While many children recover fully, complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization confirmed that the UK had lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks during 2024. Immunisation guidance and catch-up advice are set out by the UK Health Security Agency.
Advice for London families and travellers
For London parents unsure about their child’s vaccination status, GPs are offering catch-up appointments. Health teams have also advised families travelling during the Easter break to ensure immunisations are up to date, as outbreaks continue in parts of Europe.
Symptoms usually begin with a high temperature, cough and sore, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth before a red or brown rash develops, often starting behind the ears and spreading across the body. The rash can be harder to detect on darker skin tones.
The measles outbreak in north London is being monitored closely, with public health teams seeking to prevent further spread through vaccination and early isolation of cases.
Stay informed on health and policy decisions affecting London families. Follow EyeOnLondon for clear, independent reporting across the capital.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
