North London Measles Hits 81 Cases in Enfield 2026

Key Points

• Measles cases in north London have reached 81, marking a significant ongoing outbreak.
• Most cases are concentrated in Enfield, with a smaller cluster in Haringey.
• NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) is coordinating response efforts with Enfield Council, Haringey Council, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), NHS England, and other system partners.
• Activities include handling media enquiries, briefing spokespeople, communicating with residents, replying to queries, and engaging communities via partners, faith leaders, Public Voice Haringey, and the Bridge Renewal Trust.
• Local MMR vaccination uptake stands at 65%, matching wider London trends but far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 95%.
• Vaccination clinics have been established specifically for school-age children in affected areas.
• The UK lost its WHO measles elimination status due to over 2,900 confirmed cases in England in 2024, the highest in decades.
• Childhood vaccination rates remain below the 95% WHO threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

NHS North Central (North London News) February 26, 2026 – Measles cases in north London have surged to 81, prompting an intensified public health response amid concerns over low vaccination rates.

Health authorities report a significant outbreak centred primarily in Enfield, with a smaller cluster in Haringey. An NHS North Central London ICB spokesperson stated:

“There has been a significant outbreak of measles in north London, with most of the cases in Enfield and a smaller cluster in Haringey.”

The ICB is collaborating extensively with local councils and national bodies. The spokesperson added:

“We are working closely with Enfield Council, Haringey Council, the UKHSA, NHS England and system partners to co-ordinate our response, handle media enquiries, brief spokespeople, communicate with residents and reply to queries.”

Community engagement forms a key pillar of the strategy.

“We are engaging with communities in the area of the outbreak, working with partners, faith leaders, Public Voice Haringey and the Bridge Renewal Trust,”

the spokesperson noted.

Dr Jo Sauvage, chief medical officer for North Central London ICB, highlighted the vaccination challenge: local MMR uptake remains at 65%, consistent with wider London figures but well below optimal levels. To counter this, vaccination clinics have been set up for school-age children in the affected areas.

This local escalation mirrors a national crisis. The UK recently lost its World Health Organisation (WHO) measles elimination status following over 2,900 confirmed cases in England in 2024 – the highest levels in decades. Childhood vaccination rates, which continue to lag, fall short of the 95% WHO target essential for preventing outbreaks.

What Is Driving the Measles Outbreak in North London?

The outbreak’s epicentre in Enfield underscores vulnerabilities in densely populated boroughs with suboptimal immunisation. As reported by Healthcare Management UK in their coverage of the national context, the loss of WHO elimination status stems directly from 2024’s unprecedented case numbers.

NHS North Central London ICB’s efforts emphasise rapid containment. The spokesperson’s comments, echoed across partner statements, reveal a multi-agency approach designed to curb spread through targeted interventions.

Dr Sauvage’s data on 65% MMR uptake paints a stark picture. This rate, while typical for London, exposes gaps in herd immunity, which requires 95% coverage to halt measles transmission effectively.

How Many Measles Cases Have Been Reported in North London?

Confirmed figures stand at 81 cases as of the latest update. The majority cluster in Enfield, reflecting higher incidence there, while Haringey reports a smaller but notable group.

These numbers contribute to England’s broader tally, where 2024 saw over 2,900 cases nationwide. No specific breakdown by age or demographics has been released locally, but the focus on school-age clinics suggests vulnerability among children.

Which Areas in North London Are Most Affected by Measles?

Enfield bears the brunt, hosting most of the 81 cases. Haringey faces a smaller cluster, prompting borough-specific responses.

NHS North Central London ICB’s spokesperson clarified:

“most of the cases in Enfield and a smaller cluster in Haringey.”

This geographic focus guides resource allocation, with councils like Enfield and Haringey at the forefront.

What Is the NHS Doing to Respond to the North London Measles Outbreak?

Coordination defines the response.

“We are working closely with Enfield Council, Haringey Council, the UKHSA, NHS England and system partners,”

the ICB spokesperson said, outlining duties from media handling to resident communications.

Engagement extends to grassroots levels:

“working with partners, faith leaders, Public Voice Haringey and the Bridge Renewal Trust.”

Vaccination drives target school-age children via pop-up clinics.

Dr Sauvage’s oversight ensures medical strategy aligns with data, addressing the 65% uptake shortfall.

Who Are the Key Partners in the Response Effort?

Enfield Council and Haringey Council lead locally. UKHSA provides expertise on infectious disease control, while NHS England supports scaling.

System partners, faith leaders, Public Voice Haringey, and the Bridge Renewal Trust facilitate community outreach, vital in diverse north London boroughs.

Why Are Vaccination Rates So Low in North London?

Local MMR uptake hovers at 65%, mirroring London-wide trends. Dr Jo Sauvage of North Central London ICB reported this figure, noting it falls “well below optimal levels.”

Nationally, 2024’s case surge ties to rates below WHO’s 95% benchmark. Factors may include vaccine hesitancy, access barriers, and misinformation, though ICB statements prioritise boosting uptake without speculating on causes.

What Clinics Are Available for Measles Vaccination in Affected Areas?

Dedicated clinics serve school-age children in Enfield and Haringey. These pop-up sites aim to close the immunity gap swiftly.

NHS North Central London ICB has not detailed exact locations or schedules in public statements, urging residents to check official channels for bookings.

Has the UK Lost Its Measles Elimination Status?

Yes, the UK relinquished its WHO measles elimination status. As covered by Healthcare Management UK, this followed over 2,900 English cases in 2024 – levels unseen in decades.

Elimination status demands sustained control below outbreak thresholds, undermined by sub-95% vaccination.

What Is the WHO Target for Measles Vaccination?

The World Health Organisation mandates 95% MMR uptake for herd immunity. North London’s 65% and national shortfalls breach this, enabling resurgence.

Dr Sauvage emphasised this disparity, linking low local rates to outbreak risks.

How Does North London’s Outbreak Fit into the National Picture?

North London’s 81 cases form part of England’s 2024 total exceeding 2,900. The ICB’s “significant outbreak” label signals local alarm within a countrywide reversal of progress.

UKHSA involvement hints at surveillance tying regional spikes to national trends.

What Should Residents Do to Protect Against Measles?

Authorities urge eligible residents to verify MMR status and vaccinate via clinics. The ICB’s community work, including faith leader partnerships, disseminates this message.

Early symptoms – fever, rash, cough – warrant isolation and GP contact. High-risk groups, like unvaccinated children, face severe complications.

Who Is Dr Jo Sauvage and What Is Her Role?

Dr Jo Sauvage serves as chief medical officer for North Central London ICB. She disclosed the 65% uptake data, steering clinical responses.

Her input underscores evidence-based action amid the outbreak.

What Role Do Local Councils Play in the Measles Response?

Enfield Council and Haringey Council partner directly with the ICB. They aid coordination, communications, and likely logistics for clinics.

The spokesperson affirmed: “working closely with Enfield Council, Haringey Council.”

How Is the UKHSA Involved in North London’s Measles Cases?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) collaborates on outbreak management, drawing on national expertise. ICB statements list it among core partners for response and surveillance.

What Community Groups Are Supporting the Outbreak Response?

Public Voice Haringey and the Bridge Renewal Trust join faith leaders in outreach. These entities bridge authorities and residents, enhancing trust and uptake.

Could This Outbreak Spread Further in London?

Risk persists with vaccination gaps. The ICB’s proactive measures aim containment, but 65% uptake leaves pockets susceptible.

National 2024 data warns of potential escalation without 95% coverage.

What Lessons from 2024 Are Shaping the 2026 Response?

Last year’s 2,900 cases prompted status loss, sharpening focus on immunisation. North Central London ICB applies these by prioritising clinics and partnerships.

Dr Sauvage’s consistent uptake reporting reflects ongoing monitoring post-2024.

This outbreak tests north London’s resilience, with authorities mobilising to safeguard communities. Residents play a pivotal role by seeking vaccinations promptly.