Western Australia Records 3 Measles Cases in 2025, Half of Last Year's Total

Western Australia could be heading toward its worst measles outbreak in five years, as health officials race to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. With three cases already recorded just three months into the year, the state has reached half the total count seen in both 2023 and 2024 combined.

The latest case was confirmed at Bunbury Regional Hospital, prompting health authorities to issue alerts for anyone who visited the facility between March 19 and 23. This follows an outbreak at Hakea Prison in Perth’s south-east suburbs, which has already disrupted court proceedings across the state.

“It was actually a prisoner that was being treated at the hospital that was the likely exposure for the case associated with Bunbury hospital,” said Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor from the WA Department of Health. “There’s a couple cases related to the Hakea exposure right now and others are under investigation.”

Prison Outbreak Causing Judicial Delays

The prison outbreak has created significant disruption in WA’s court system. A District Court trial was halted when two accused persons were suspected of having measles. Another Hakea inmate was unable to attend a separate hearing and remains in isolation. Court officials will decide Monday whether trials can proceed, depending on the health status of those involved.

WA Health confirmed it is working with the Department of Justice to offer vaccines to prisoners and staff who aren’t already protected.

Growing List of Exposure Sites

Health authorities have identified nearly 35 exposure sites including Fiona Stanley Hospital and Beeliar Urgent Care Clinic in Yangebup. The full list is available on the WA Health website. Officials are urging anyone who visited these locations during specific timeframes to monitor for symptoms including fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes, and a red blotchy rash.

Dr. Effler emphasized that people typically develop symptoms about 10 days after exposure, with a possible range of 7-18 days.

Who’s at Risk?

Most older Australians contracted measles as children and are now immune for life. However, those born after 1994 need two doses of the MMR vaccine for strong protection. People aged between 30 and 60 who received only one vaccine dose remain vulnerable.

“All the cases in WA this year have been within that age bracket,” Dr. Effler noted.

The outbreak in WA adds to a growing national tally, with more than 30 cases confirmed across Australia, mostly in New South Wales and Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is causing the current measles outbreak in Western Australia?

The current outbreak appears to have started at Hakea Prison in Perth’s south-east suburbs, with the latest case confirmed at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Health officials have traced the hospital case to a prisoner who was being treated there. This outbreak could potentially become the worst in five years, with three cases already recorded just three months into 2024, reaching half the total count seen in both 2023 and 2024 combined.

Where are the exposure sites and who might be at risk?

Health authorities have identified nearly 35 exposure sites including Fiona Stanley Hospital and Beeliar Urgent Care Clinic in Yangebup. People most at risk include those who visited these locations during specific timeframes (check the WA Health website for the full list) and those born after 1994 who haven’t received two doses of the MMR vaccine. People aged between 30 and 60 who received only one vaccine dose also remain vulnerable, with all cases in WA this year falling within that age bracket.

What are the symptoms of measles and when do they appear?

Measles symptoms include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes, and a distinctive red blotchy rash. These symptoms typically develop about 10 days after exposure, with a possible range of 7-18 days. Health officials describe measles as “the most infectious disease known to humans,” making prompt identification of symptoms crucial for limiting spread.

How is the outbreak affecting public services and facilities?

The outbreak has significantly disrupted Western Australia’s court system. A District Court trial was halted when two accused persons were suspected of having measles. Another Hakea inmate was unable to attend a separate hearing and remains in isolation. Court officials are monitoring the situation closely, with decisions about proceeding with trials dependent on the health status of those involved. Health authorities are also working with the Department of Justice to offer vaccines to prisoners and staff.

Why are measles outbreaks occurring despite available vaccines?

Experts point to declining vaccination rates as a key factor. According to epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre, childhood vaccination rates in Australia have dropped from about 94 percent to 91 percent, which is part of a worldwide trend of increasing vaccine hesitancy after the COVID pandemic. Additionally, vaccine fatigue and misinformation may be affecting other vaccination programs, with federal government data showing a 15 percent drop in flu vaccinations in 2024 compared to the previous year.

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to measles?

If you develop symptoms of measles, health authorities advise you to: 1) Put on a mask; 2) Isolate immediately; and 3) Seek medical care for testing. It’s important to call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to prevent potentially exposing others. Those concerned about potential exposure should check the WA Health website for the full list of exposure sites and timeframes.

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