Measles Cases Are on the Rise in North Kensington

News - 29 May 2024

There has been an outbreak of measles in North Kensington, and we have collated some information about how you can protect yourself and your children against the disease. Find out more below.
Paper with words about diseases and the word measles highlighted in pink

What is MMR?

Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) are three highly infections that spread easily between people and can cause serious illnesses including meningitis, blindness, hearing loss and can likely lead to hospitalisation.

It can be severe particularly for young infants and immunosuppressed patients. Measles in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is a highly infectious illness. Typical symptoms include:

  • A measles-like rash - red spots non-itchy, sometimes raised and joined together to form blotchy patches. The rash starts three to four days after the initial symptoms behind the ears, then the face, trunk of body and limbs.
  • Small white spots inside the cheeks and on the inner part of the lips.
  • A fever of 39ºC or more without taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, a rash which goes away with pressure and at least one of the following:
    • Cough;
    • Runny nose;
    • Conjunctivitis. 

Anyone with symptoms that could be measles, is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E.

How can I protect myself and my children against MMR?

The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine which is given in two doses. The first at one-year-old and the second at three years and four months.

Check your child’s red book, if they have one, or contact your GP, to check your child’s vaccine status. If your child has missed one or both of their vaccinations, it’s not too late – make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can.

Where can I vaccinate my child against MMR?

Teams will be visiting schools so children can get their vaccination there. Moreover, vaccine appointments can be booked through your GP or by going to your nearest walk-in clinic.

Walk-in clinics, which do not require an appointment, provide a good opportunity for residents and their children to get vaccinated and ask qualified health professionals any questions about child vaccinations.

  • 29 May 2024, 10am-2pm The Gateway Academy, NW8 8LN;
  • 31 May 2024, 10am-4pm, London Central Mosque, NW8 7RG;
  • 6 June 2024, 10am-4pm, Kensington Leisure Centre, W10 6EX;
  • 12 June 2024, 10am-4pm, Church Street Library, NW8 8EU;
  • 20 June 2024, 10am-4pm, Westbourne Park Family Centre, W2 5DX.

Additionally, the following clinics have been set up at St Charles Enhanced Access Hub for children registered with a GP in Kensington & Chelsea, Queens Park and Paddington (located at St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ.)

  • Weekdays: 6.30pm – 9pm;
  • Saturdays: 8am-8pm;
  • Sundays and Bank Holidays: 2pm-8pm.

Where can I get further information?

If you have any questions or would like to request some leaflets please email nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net.

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