Measles Outbreak in Enfield: What Parents Need to Know and Do Now [Jan 2026]

Health authorities have confirmed an outbreak of measles in a school in the London Borough of Enfield, with a small number of children becoming unwell enough to need hospital care. Understandably, this is worrying for parents. The good news is that there are clear, practical steps you can take to protect your child, your family, and your community.

Why this outbreak matters

Measles is not “just a rash” or a harmless childhood illness. It is:

• Highly infectious – one of the most contagious viruses we know.
• Potentially serious – it can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and in rare cases, brain inflammation.
• Especially dangerous for:
• Babies and young children
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• Anyone who is not fully vaccinated

If you or your child have not had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and you have not previously had measles, you are at risk of catching it.

Recognising measles: signs and symptoms

Measles often starts like a bad cold and then gets worse. Common symptoms include:

• High temperature (fever)
• Cough
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sore, red, or watery eyes
• A rash that usually appears after the first symptoms, often starting on the face and behind the ears, then spreading to the rest of the body

People with measles can become unwell quickly.

For clear, up-to-date information on symptoms, how measles spreads, and treatment, visit the NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles

If you think your child may have measles:

• Call your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
• Inform your child’s nursery or school.
• Avoid sitting in crowded waiting rooms if you are asked to attend a GP practice or clinic – let staff know in advance that you suspect measles so they can minimise the risk to others.

Check your child’s MMR vaccination status

The most important way to protect your child from measles is through the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Children (and adults) need two doses of MMR for the best protection.

What parents should do now

1. Find out if your child is fully vaccinated

• Check your child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record), any vaccination card, or previous GP letters.
• If you’re not sure, contact your GP practice and ask them to check your child’s vaccination records.

2. If your child has missed a dose (or you’re unsure) – book a vaccine

• Speak to your GP to arrange an appointment.
• In Enfield, you can also ask about School-Aged Vaccination Provider catch-up clinics if your child is older and missed routine vaccines at school.

3. Check your own vaccinations too

• Adults who have not had two doses of MMR, or who are unsure, can often still be vaccinated.
• Contact your GP practice to discuss your own vaccination status, especially if you are:
  • Planning a pregnancy
  • Working with children or in healthcare
  • Living with someone who has a weakened immune system

School exclusion and close contacts

Because measles spreads so easily, national guidance allows schools and health protection teams to exclude certain children in order to protect others.

• If your child is identified as being a close contact of someone with measles and they are not vaccinated, they may be excluded from school for up to 21 days.
• This is to reduce the risk of further spread, especially to those who cannot be vaccinated (for example, some children with serious medical conditions).

Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated helps protect their own health and can also reduce disruption to their education.

Why MMR vaccination is so important

The MMR vaccine has been used safely for many years and is highly effective at preventing measles:

• One dose gives good protection.
• Two doses give around 99% protection against measles.

Benefits of MMR vaccination include:

• Protecting your child from a serious, potentially life-threatening illness
• Helping to protect vulnerable people in the community who cannot be vaccinated
• Reducing the likelihood of school outbreaks and long exclusions
• Preventing serious complications, hospital stays, and long-term health issues linked to measles

If you have concerns about the vaccine, it’s better to talk them through with a trusted health professional (your GP, practice nurse, or health visitor) rather than leaving your child unprotected.

Key takeaways for parents

• There has been a measles outbreak in an Enfield school, with some children needing hospital care.
• If your child (or you) have not had two doses of MMR, you are at risk of catching measles.
• Act now:
• Check vaccination records
• Contact your GP if you’re unsure
• Arrange catch-up vaccination if needed
• Watch for measles symptoms and seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 if your child becomes unwell.
• Unvaccinated children who are close contacts of measles cases may be kept off school for 21 days.

Protecting your child with the MMR vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep them – and those around them – safe during this outbreak and in the future.