A measles outbreak has been confirmed in at least seven schools across North London, with over 60 children infected since January. Laboratory reports indicate 34 confirmed cases in the Enfield area, with one in five children requiring hospitalization due to severe infection.
Health experts emphasize that measles is entirely preventable through vaccination, particularly the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella). Parents are advised to check vaccination records or consult their clinic nurse to ensure children receive all necessary doses.
The current surge follows official data showing that vaccination coverage among children in England last year fell below the level required to achieve herd immunity. The World Health Organization recommends immunizing at least 95% of children to prevent outbreaks.
Latest figures show that 91.9% of children aged five received one dose of MMR vaccine, while only 83.7% received both doses—the lowest levels in over a decade.
Public health officials warn that high vaccine coverage is essential to controlling measles, but ongoing transmission indicates the disease still poses a risk. Increasing vaccination rates is critical to return to measles elimination status.
For more details and latest news, follow Masr Connect
