More than 60 children infected in north London measles outbreak

The Guardian World

by Nadeem Badshah

February 14, 2026

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More than 60 children in north London have fallen ill due to a measles outbreak, with cases reported in seven schools and a nursery in Enfield. The situation has raised concerns over low levels of MMR vaccination in the area, as measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe complications. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations, as the disease continues to spread. The outbreak has been particularly concerning due to its rapid spread among schools and nurseries in Enfield, a suburb of London. Measles is known for its ability to infect unvaccinated individuals quickly, especially in crowded environments like schools. Some children have required hospitalization, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The low uptake of the MMR vaccine has been identified as a key factor in this outbreak, with health experts emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread. The measles virus is not only dangerous but also highly contagious, with the potential to cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The lack of herd immunity in Enfield has allowed the disease to take hold, despite its eradication status in the UK since 2016. Public health officials are now calling for increased awareness campaigns and vaccination drives to curb the outbreak. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of vaccine

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026