The UK’s worst measles hotspots revealed after surge in London cases
A ‘fast spreading’ measles outbreak has taken hold among unvaccinated children in north-east London.
Parents have been told their children could be excluded if they are not fully vaccinated against measles for 21 days, Enfield Council said in a letter to all parents in the borough in late January.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield, but the highly contagious disease has been popping up across the country since the start of the year.
There were 96 confirmed measles cases since the beginning of 2026 until the 9th February, according to the UKHSA.
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What are the signs of measles?
According to the NHS, measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
The measles rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They’re not usually itchy.
London accounted for 64% of all measles diagnoses since the beginning of the year.
Outside of the capital, the West Midlands has become a hotspot for the illness, with 26% of cases found there.
In total, there were 959 confirmed measles cases in England in 2025, which was down from the record high 2,911 in 2024.
The data also reveals the age groups most affected, with children aged five to 10 representing a third of all people who fall ill.
Toddlers aged one to four account for 30% of measles cases, while babies in their first year of life are 12% of cases.
A number of adults have contracted measles as well, with more than 13% of cases coming from people ages 25 and older.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said the current measles outbreak was ‘mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries’.
She added: ‘Measles is a nasty illness for any child but for some it can lead to long-term complications and, tragically, death, but [it] is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.’
The expert continued: ‘With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated, as measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe.’
How to get vaccinated for measles
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Children are also now offered the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
According to the NHS, if you or your child needs the MMR vaccine, your GP surgery will be able to arrange it.
Your child may also be able to get it through their school.
If you need the MMR vaccine for your work, you should also be able to get it through your employer’s occupational health service.
Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Most people recover, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent become sick or spreading the disease
Measles can be prevented through vaccination, which is available as part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) injection.
WHO recommends at least 95% of children should receive vaccine doses for each illness to achieve herd immunity.
However, hotspot Enfield has one of the lowest uptake rates for the two-shot vaccine in the country.
Only 64.3% of five-year-olds in Enfield received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25.
Temporary vaccination clinics have been held in schools throughout the borough to try reverse the trend.
According to UK Health Security Agency figures 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in 2024-25.
This is the lowest level since 2010-2011.
Last month, the World Health Organisation declared the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
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