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Enfield Measles Alert: 34 Children Infected
17 Feb
Summary
- Measles cases reach 34 children in Enfield this year.
- Enfield's MMR vaccination rate for five-year-olds is 64.3%.
- National vaccination rates have declined significantly.
- UK lost its WHO measles elimination status recently.
As of February 17, 2026, the UK Health Security Agency has reported at least 34 measles cases among children in Enfield this year, with some requiring hospital care. Local health officials express deep concern over this significant increase, noting it is unprecedented for the area. The low MMR vaccination coverage in Enfield is a major contributing factor, with only 64.3% of five-year-olds receiving both doses, falling far short of the 95% target needed to prevent outbreaks.
Nationally, MMR vaccine uptake has also declined, standing at 84.4% in 2024/25, a decrease from a decade prior. Authorities are urging parents to check their children's vaccination status and are offering free catch-up clinics. They emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and that many delays are due to hesitancy rather than outright refusal. Measles, a highly contagious disease spread through respiratory droplets and contact, presents with symptoms like high fever, sore eyes, cough, and a characteristic rash.
The surge in Enfield occurs amidst a broader national trend of declining vaccination rates. England confirmed over 2,900 measles cases in 2024 and nearly 1,000 more in 2025, marking the highest levels in over a decade. This situation follows the UK's recent loss of its World Health Organization measles elimination status. Health officials stress that timely vaccination and prompt reporting of suspected cases are crucial for protecting children and controlling the spread of measles.
