“Measles is a nasty illness. Sadly, some children who catch [it] can develop serious complications. Our vaccination rates are still not as high as they should be,” Perman said.<\/p>\n
The measles vaccine is routinely offered to children as two doses, the first is given at 12 months and the second at 18 months.<\/p>\n
In Hertfordshire, 93.6% of children aged five have had one dose and 87.7% have had two doses.<\/p>\n
In Enfield only 64.3% of children have had both doses.<\/p>\n
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Measles is a contagious disease that is spread by coughs and sneezes or contaminated surfaces [Getty Images]<\/p>\n
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread through coughs and sneezes and contaminated surfaces.<\/p>\n
Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n
Sore, red and watery eyes<\/p>\n
Small white spots appearing inside the mouth<\/p>\n
A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically behind the ears and on the face, before spreading.<\/p>\n
The rash may be harder to detect on brown and black skin, NHS England said.<\/p>\n
Perman has encouraged parents and carers to check their children were fully up to date with their measles vaccine, as coverage needs to be 95% of the eligible population to stop the virus from spreading.<\/p>\n
“One in five children end up needing hospital treatment and occasionally measles can be fatal.<\/p>\n
“If you find that your child has missed a dose, please contact your GP practice to make an appointment.”<\/p>\n
The UK recently lost its World Health Organization measles elimination status after more than 2,900 cases of measles were confirmed in England in 2024, the highest level for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
There were nearly 1,000 cases in 2025.<\/p>\n
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