Some of the agencies leading a response to a measles outbreak in North London have responded to the latest figures issued by the UK Health Security Agency confirming increased numbers of cases.

Some of the agencies leading a response to a measles outbreak in North London have responded to the latest figures issued by the UK Health Security Agency confirming cases of measles. The numbers published today showed a total of 60 confirmed cases across Enfield (50) and Haringey (10), and a total of 88 cases across London as a whole.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Our latest data for this year shows measles cases have continued to increase in London being driven by the outbreak in North London with 50 confirmed cases in Enfield borough and 10 in Haringey, up to the 16th February.

“The outbreak is still mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries. With the time lag involved with confirming cases through laboratory testing, we expect the actual number of cases to be higher.

“The outbreak has led to some children having to be hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.

“All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up.

“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease but also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due a weakened immune system.” Dr Josephine Sauvage, local GP and Chief Medical Officer, North Central London Integrated Care Board said: “We want to thank local GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals and trust colleagues across the NHS who are working extremely hard to respond to the measles outbreak.

“GP practices are continuing to contact unvaccinated patients, offering additional appointments, including out-of-hours clinics, to make it as easy as possible for families to get protected. The MMR vaccine is proven over decades to be safe, effective and the best way to protect your child and your wider family.

“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 - https://www.schoolvaccination.uk/catch-up-clinics.

“Measles is highly infectious. Symptoms include a high temperature, cold-like symptoms and a blotchy rash that usually starts on the face - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

“If you think your child may have measles, please call NHS 111 or your GP for advice before attending in person, to help prevent the infection spreading further.” The full figures are available at: Confirmed cases of measles in England by month, age, region and upper tier local authority: 2026 - GOV.UK