Measles Outbreak Triggers 21-Day School Exclusion for Unvaccinated Children
Children across the UK could be forced into isolation for up to three weeks as a measles outbreak rapidly spreads, with cases surging in Enfield and Birmingham. Health authorities have confirmed nearly 100 cases this year alone, prompting urgent warnings to parents about the critical need for vaccination.
School Exclusion Policies Implemented in Response to Rising Cases
In Enfield, unvaccinated pupils may be excluded from school for 21 days if they come into close contact with someone infected with measles. This measure aims to curb the transmission of the highly contagious virus, which is approximately six times more infectious than COVID-19.
Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield Council’s director of public health, has directly communicated with parents, stating: “If your child is identified as being a close contact of a person with measles and they are unvaccinated, they may be excluded from school for 21 days.”
Health Officials Highlight Severity and Preventability of Measles
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised,” she said.
Dr Saliba added: “Measles is a nasty illness for any child but for some it can lead to long-term complications and, tragically, death, but it is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.”
Outbreak Impacts and Hospitalization Rates
The current outbreak has predominantly affected children, with some requiring hospital care. Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for health and social care, noted: “The current outbreak has mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital.”
A message from the Ordnance Unity Centre for Health GP surgery in Enfield described a “fast-spreading measles outbreak” and revealed that during this outbreak, one in five children have been hospitalised due to measles, all of whom were not fully immunised.
Urgent Vaccination Calls Ahead of Easter Holidays
With the Easter holidays approaching, health officials are urging families to ensure all members, especially children, are vaccinated. Measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK, and ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe heighten the risk for travellers.
Dr Saliba advised: “With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated.”
Councillor Cazimoglu reinforced the message: “Catching the measles is entirely preventable, but it spreads extremely quickly where vaccination levels are low. By checking your family’s vaccination status and taking up the free NHS vaccine, you are protecting not only yourselves but also vulnerable members of our community.”
