Measles cases are rising again across the United Kingdom, forcing schools and health officials to issue urgent warnings to parents.
Nearly 100 confirmed cases have already been recorded this year, with the majority affecting primary school-aged children. In some areas, children who are not vaccinated may be required to stay home from school for up to 21 days if they come into contact with an infected person.
Enfield Among Hardest Hit
Enfield in north London is currently one of the most affected areas.
Local guidance states that unvaccinated pupils who are identified as close contacts of a measles case could be excluded from school for three weeks. Parents have also been advised that anyone who suspects measles infection should isolate to prevent further spread.
Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield Council’s director of public health, confirmed in a letter to parents:
“If your child is identified as being a close contact of a person with measles and they are unvaccinated, they may be excluded from school for 21 days.”
Officials say several schools have already been affected by the outbreak.
Falling Vaccination Rates Blamed
Health experts believe the surge is partly linked to a drop in vaccination rates.
The uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has fallen to 84 percent — the lowest level recorded in more than ten years. As a result, the World Health Organisation removed the UK’s measles-free status after thousands of confirmed cases in 2024 and continued high numbers in 2025.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, 96 cases have been recorded so far this year, with 77 percent involving children under the age of 10. Nearly two-thirds of all infections have occurred in London, and more than half of those cases were concentrated in Enfield.
Enfield Councillor Alev Cazimoglu said the outbreak has mainly affected children, with some requiring short hospital stays.
Why Measles Is a Serious Concern
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world. A single infected person can spread it to up to 18 unvaccinated individuals.
Although many people associate measles with a red rash, it usually begins with cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough and tiredness before the rash appears. In vulnerable children, complications can include pneumonia, vision problems and other serious health risks.
Health Officials Urge Parents to Act
Public health authorities are encouraging families to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
Dr Ash Banerjee, a public health consultant for NHS England in the Midlands, said school holidays offer parents a good opportunity to review vaccination records.
“We want parents and carers to feel supported seeking advice about anything they’re unsure of,” he said, including information about the updated MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Dr Vanessa Saliba of the UK Health Security Agency warned that outbreaks can return quickly when vaccine uptake falls.
“Measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two doses before school,” she said.
As cases continue to rise, authorities say prevention through vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children and communities.