Lancashire parents warned after London measles cases spike

Health officials in the capital are dealing with a significant measles outbreak centred on the north of the city.

Sixty children have been infected and 15 of them hospitalised in the Borough of Enfield in the capital. 

While Lancashire has a higher take-up rate of the two-dose measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab than the England average, and far higher than in Enfield, it remains below the 95 per cent coverage level recommended by the World Health Organisation.

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency, 88.6 per cent of five-year-olds in the Lancashire County Council area had had both doses during 2024-2025, compared to 83.7 per cent across England.

The figures for the Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen areas were 87.4 per cent and 83.7 per cent, respectively.   

Against that backdrop, Lancashire’s public health chief is warning local parents not to be complacent.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health at Lancashire County Council, said: “Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated.

"It is particularly severe for any child and, unfortunately, can lead to serious complications, especially in young infants and those with weakened immune systems.

"In rare cases, it can tragically result in death.

“Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine, yet many thousands of children across the country remain unvaccinated and at risk.

"The MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles.

“Please act now to ensure your children are fully protected. You can check your child’s immunisation Red Book or speak with your GP surgery.”

What are the signs

According to NHS bosses, measles symptoms include:

• high fever
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.