The UKHSA has confirmed 60 cases of measles in north London following an outbreak.

Latest statistics show 50 cases in Enfield with a further 10 in Haringey with London accounting for 68% of cases nationally.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA: ‘Our latest data for this year shows measles cases have continued to increase in London being driven by the outbreak in Enfield with 50 confirmed cases in the borough up to the 16 February.

‘The outbreak is still mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries. With the time lag involved with confirming cases through laboratory testing, we expect the actual number of cases to be higher.

‘The outbreak has led to some children having to be hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.'

Cllr Lucia das Neves, cabinet Member for health, social care and wellbeing, Haringey Council, said: ‘We are working closely with local and national partners, including the UKHSA, NHS and Enfield Council, to protect residents and limit the spread of measles in Haringey.

 

‘As vaccination is the most effective way to protect your family and the whole community, we have and will continue to urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to do so now.

 

‘We will continue to mobilise every resource available to us and work alongside healthcare services, schools and community groups to support our residents.'