‘Fast-spreading’ measles outbreak hits several schools in London

 

At least 34 children have been infected by a “fast-spreading” measles outbreak in several north London schools, health officials have said.

The cases from Enfield were confirmed in laboratory tests in January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported.

A local GP surgery said one in five children who contracted the illness had been admitted to hospital, all of whom “had not been fully immunised”.

Families have been urged to ensure their children are up to date with their immunisations against the highly contagious disease, which can cause serious health complications.

“If your child missed their vaccination at school, there are a number of catch-up clinics around the UK which you can book onto.They are free.”

Enfield’s NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health said on its website that there was a “fast-spreading measles outbreak in several schools” across the borough.

It said infections had been confirmed in “at least” seven schools in Enfield and neighbouring Haringey.

The 34 cases in Enfield represented over a third of the 96 total cases confirmed across England in the first month of the year, according to the UKHA’s latest data.

Enfield Councillor Alev Cazimoglu said the current outbreak had “mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital”.

She added: “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. We urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to act now.”

Enfield Council said it was was working closely with the UKHSA, the NHS and local partners to limit further spread in accordance with national public health guidance.

Speaking, Dr Vanessa Saliba from the UKHSA said the “big” outbreak was “mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries”.

She said: “Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV [measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox] vaccine.”

Children who had missed doses should “catch up as soon as possible” to protect themselves and other children who are too young to be vaccinated or unable to do so for health reasons, she added.

Dr Saliba also urged those travelling abroad over the Easter holidays to check their vaccination status because “measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK, and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe”.

Cc: BBC