Measles cases on the rise in north London

Cases of measles continue to rise in north London – with Enfield and Haringey accounting for almost half of all cases nationally.

Data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Thursday shows 12 more infections in Enfield from the final week of February, taking the total number of measles cases in the north London borough this year to 71.

There have also been two more confirmed cases of the disease in Haringey, taking the total over the past two months to 13.

The rise in cases is mainly affecting children in schools and nurseries. The most severe cases requiring hospital treatment have been linked to unvaccinated patients, according to the North Central London Integrated Care Board.

Councillor Lucia das Neves, cabinet member for health, social care and wellbeing, at 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."

The NCL ICB is responsible for co-ordinating NHS services across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden and Islington.

Its chief medical officer Dr Jo Sauvage said: "Measles resurges when vaccination rates fall, but this is something we can turn around.

"The vaccine is safe and effective, and by boosting uptake quickly we can prevent further outbreaks."

The outbreak continues to hit London the hardest, with 65% of the 195 total number of cases in England this year occurring in the capital.

The vast majority of infections are affecting children aged 10 or younger.

It is not clear where the other 43 cases in London have been identified, as the UKHSA only publishes specific information on boroughs with ten or more reported cases.

Outside the capital, Birmingham has had the highest recorded outbreak, now reaching 32 cases.

The UKHSA said reported figures were "likely to underestimate" the actual number of infections, especially over the past month - due to lags in cases being reported.

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