UK's Health Agency Warns Children Hospitalised Amid London Measles Outbreak

Measles cases continue to rise in London, largely driven by an outbreak of the illness among children in Enfield.

There have been 50 confirmed cases of measles in the borough up to 16 February, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, experts have said it’s likely the actual number of cases will be higher. 

The outbreak is mostly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, in both schools and nurseries.

According to a GP surgery in Enfield, one in five children with measles have been hospitalised as a result of this latest outbreak, and all of those hospitalised have not been fully immunised.

For a number of years, the borough has struggled with low uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine – which children can have two doses of in early childhood as part of NHS immunisations – due to online misinformation, health equalities and general vaccine hesitancy, the Guardian reported.

On 19 Feb, Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, confirmed the outbreak has led to some children ending up in hospital.

The possible long-term health complications from catching measles can include: hearing loss, blindness, pneumonia (infected inflammation of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain) and brain damage. In some cases, it can prove fatal.

“Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine [the MMR vaccine also now includes protection against varicella, or chickenpox],” Dr Saliba said.

“All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up.

“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease, and also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due a weakened immune system.”

Symptoms of measles

Measles typically starts off like a cold with a high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, cough and red, sore, watery eyes.

Some people might also experience Koplik spots, which show up as white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek and lips – this can help distinguish it from a common cold. 

The distinctive body rash can show up a number of days later. This is the “most typical symptom of measles, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body”, Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent Niamh McMillan previously told HuffPost UK.

“It usually appears three to five days after first signs of symptoms and lasts for several days. The rash can be flat or slightly raised and join together into larger patches.”

According to the NHS, the rash can look brown or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

If you suspect your child has measles, the NHS advises to call for an urgent GP appointment or to speak to NHS 111. It’s important to call your GP surgery before you go in as measles is very contagious.