North London is suffering a measles outbreak
The Economist
February 19, 2026
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North London is experiencing a measles outbreak, with 61 confirmed cases so far this year. This alarming situation has raised concerns due to the city's low MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates. While England-wide coverage for five-year-olds stands at 84%, London lags significantly behind, with only 69% of children fully vaccinated—a figure well below the recommended 95%. This discrepancy is particularly worrying given measles' highly contagious nature.
The decline in MMR vaccination rates in London is a growing public health issue. Over recent years, coverage has been steadily falling, and this trend shows no signs of reversal. Experts attribute the problem to several factors, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and cultural barriers. These challenges have made it difficult for healthcare providers to achieve adequate immunization rates, leaving large portions of the population vulnerable to outbreaks.
The implications of low vaccination rates extend beyond public health, with significant business and economic consequences. A measles outbreak can disrupt daily life, leading to increased medical costs, lost productivity, and even long-term health complications for those infected. For businesses, this translates into higher healthcare expenses, potential labor shortages, and reputational damage if linked to poor public health management.
Efforts to address the issue are underway, but more needs to be done to rebuild trust in vaccines and improve access to accurate information. Collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and community leaders is essential to reversing the downward trend in vaccination rates and preventing future outbreaks.
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Originally published on The Economist on 2/19/2026