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Measles Outbreak Hits London Schools: Low Vax Rates Blamed
15 Feb
Summary
- Over 60 children infected in north London measles outbreak.
- Low MMR vaccination rates are a major concern in the capital.
- WHO no longer considers the UK to have eliminated measles.
A measles outbreak has impacted north London, with over 60 children infected across seven schools and a nursery. Some affected children required hospital treatment, highlighting the serious nature of the disease. Public health officials expressed concern that low MMR vaccination uptake in London could fuel a much larger outbreak across the entire city.
London currently has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the UK. Measles can lead to severe complications like deafness and brain damage, with one in five children needing hospitalization. Temporary vaccination clinics are being established in affected areas where over a fifth of children are unvaccinated.
This outbreak occurs as the World Health Organization declared the UK has re-established measles transmission, losing its elimination status. Vaccination coverage has plateaued, with rates for the MMR vaccine at their lowest levels in over a decade, falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity.
