An alarming surge in suspected measles cases has been reported in London, with a leaked internal document revealing more than 300 instances since the start of 2026. The report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that 340 suspected cases have emerged, with a significant cluster of confirmed infections linked to a single school in Enfield, north London. As the outbreak continues, health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.
Significant Cluster in One School
The internal report, described as “official sensitive,” outlines that 34 confirmed measles cases stem from one school between 20 January and 7 February this year. The escalating situation has prompted serious concerns among health professionals, particularly in northeast London, where vaccination rates have been dwindling. The report highlights that, while public figures released by UKHSA noted 104 confirmed cases in London, the internal data revealed that 123 of the suspected cases had already been validated.
Dr. Yimmy Chow, Deputy Director for the London region at UKHSA, commented, “The measles outbreak in north London continues. As long as children remain unvaccinated, there is a real threat of it spreading to other areas.” He stressed the importance of vaccination, citing the severe complications measles can cause, including pneumonia and meningitis, which can lead to long-term health issues or even death.
Vulnerable Age Groups
The most affected demographic appears to be children aged one to four, with 37 confirmed cases. Additionally, 22 cases have been reported among children aged five to eleven. Disturbingly, a significant proportion of these cases—42 in total—originated from some of the most deprived areas of London, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
Across England, the report notes that from 1 January 2024 to 23 February 2026, there have been 1,117 measles cases, with London accounting for 597 of these. Alarmingly, vaccination rates reveal that 78 per cent of children aged one to four and 90 per cent of children aged five to eleven remain unvaccinated, significantly undermining efforts to establish herd immunity.
The Role of Vaccination
In light of these troubling statistics, health officials are emphasising the importance of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Currently, children in the UK are scheduled to receive their first dose at 12 months and a second dose at 18 months. Dr. Josephine Sauvage, a local GP and Chief Medical Officer for the North Central London Integrated Care Board, stated, “It is concerning that cases are still rising, but there is something we can all do to protect our loved ones and ourselves, which is to get the vaccine. The vaccine is proven over decades to be safe, effective, and the best way to protect your child and your wider family.”
Healthcare providers are actively reaching out to families of unvaccinated children, offering accessible appointments, including out-of-hours clinics, to facilitate vaccinations.
Urgent Call for Action
Earlier this year, the UK lost its measles elimination status, attributed to vaccination rates falling below the World Health Organisation’s target of at least 95 per cent coverage to achieve herd immunity. In several areas, including Hackney and Enfield, vaccination uptake has reached critically low levels. Statistics show that only 65.3 per cent of two-year-olds and 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the MMRV vaccine in the 2024/25 period.
Dr. Sauvage urged parents to take action: “If your child is not up to date, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment. If you’re not registered with a GP, you can do so quickly and easily, or attend one of the local catch-up vaccination clinics.”
Why it Matters
The resurgence of measles in London is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health. Given the contagious nature of the virus and the severe complications it can cause, this outbreak poses a significant risk, particularly to vulnerable populations. Ensuring high vaccination rates is vital not only for individual protection but also for the health of the wider community. As health officials continue to combat this outbreak, the call for increased awareness and action around vaccination has never been more critical.
