In North London, a significant outbreak of measles has affected over 60 children, leading to reported cases from seven schools and one daycare in the Enfield area. Some of the infected children have required hospitalization, raising concerns among health experts about the implications of this outbreak. The epidemic is suspected to be linked to low vaccination coverage in the capital, as one infected individual can potentially transmit the virus to as many as 18 unvaccinated people.

Experts emphasize that the vaccination coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in Enfield is troubling, with over 20% of children not having received the vaccine by their fifth birthday. Dudu Sher-Arami, the health director for Enfield, warns that this epidemic poses a serious threat not only to the local community but to London as a whole, citing the capital's low vaccination rates as a critical factor in the outbreak.

In response to this alarming situation, health authorities are taking proactive measures by setting up temporary vaccination clinics within schools and throughout the Enfield area. These clinics aim to increase vaccination rates and curb the spread of the disease, as officials work to address this public health crisis effectively and prevent further infections.