Forum topic: Enfield measles outbreak 'threatens to spread London-wide'

An outbreak of measles affecting schools in Enfield has put children in hospital and threatens to spread to other parts of the capital.

As reported in various news outlets and on the Enfield Council website, there is growing concern about an outbreak of measles in seven Enfield schools which has the potential to spread elsewhere in London. The outbreak is likely to be the consequence of the low uptake of the MMR vaccine in the capital and the country more generally, which has resulted in the UK no longer being classified as measles-free.

Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, has pointed out that measles can have "nasty" complications, such as deafness and brain damage. It is highly infectious: for every one infected person, measles can spread to up to 18 unvaccinated people.

As well as children, unvaccinated pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Enfield Council and health partners are asking residents to check whether they have had both doses of the vaccine known as MMRV or MMR:

• Adults who are unsure whether they have received two doses should contact their GP practice.
• Children can be vaccinated through their GP or local catch-up vaccination clinics. Find out more and book an appointment.
• Anyone not registered with a GP is strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible to access free NHS vaccinations. Find out how to register

The NHS in north London has published a video with advice about diagnosing measles and what to do if you suspect you have it. Watch below.