Virus action in wake of measles outbreak

MOVES to get more children vaccinated against potentially lethal viruses will be unveiled this week as the NHS battles a measles outbreak.

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

A total of 88 cases have been reported in London this year, mainly in the under-10s.

The UK has lost its measles elimination status from the World Health Organisation, with more than 2,900 cases of the virus in England alone in 2024 — the highest in decades.

It came as the measles vaccination rate slid to 83.7% in 2024/5, well below WHO's 95% target.

In London, where the outbreak has centred on Enfield and Harringey in the north, it was 69.6%.