Measles outbreak: Public health warning about a "significant increase" in the number of cases in schools in central and west London

Measles outbreaks in three London schools have seen directors from the north and west of the capital on alert by health authorities.

Public Health England (PHE) has written to the chiefs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster to warn them to remain alert to this highly contagious infection.

In particular, all students with siblings in one of three schools where cases were identified this year, namely: Fulham Boys School, Chelsea Academy and St Marylebone Church of England School.

In a letter addressed to school principals, PHE's health care consultant, Dr. Janice Lo, said "there has been a significant increase" in measles cases among residents of the school. northwestern London since April and this was spreading to local schools.

"Some of these children may have siblings attending other schools in nearby boroughs, so we want to inform you of the affected schools and ask you to stay alert for any new cases reported," she added. .

"As measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious complications, we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to inform and encourage staff and parents about the importance of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). the children to be vaccinated. "

This follows warnings that half a million British children have missed the measles vaccine for children over the past eight years.

PHE warned last week that hundreds of measles cases had already been diagnosed in England in the first three months of 2019.

Until now, epidemics have been confined to groups with low vaccination rates, such as the Orthodox Jewish community or those with links to countries with ongoing cases, including the major European epidemic that touches Romania.

But PHE said that there were signs of its spread in the wider population.

The three schools affected by the London epidemic are all schools of the Anglican Church, but could not be reached immediately for comment during the semester.

More follows …