Tejal Somvanshi
Measles cases in Western Australia have hit 15 since mid-March, with 15 of these cases recorded since March 19. Health officials have issued an urgent alert for Perth and the South West region that remains active.
WA Health first warned the public on March 20 and released their latest update yesterday on April 24. The outbreak is part of a wider problem across Australia, with more than 60 cases reported already in 2025, surpassing the total of 57 cases for all of 2024.
Dr. Paul Effler from the Communicable Disease Control Directorate has called on health workers and the public to stay alert as the disease spreads through the community.
Catching Measles: How It Spreads and Signs to Watch
Measles spreads incredibly easily through the air. When someone with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus hangs in the air for up to 2 hours after they’ve gone. You can catch it just by being in the same room.
Most people get sick about 10 days after exposure, though it can take between 7 to 18 days. The first signs are easy to mistake for a bad cold:
- High temperature
- Feeling very tired
- Runny or blocked nose
- Coughing
- Red, watery, sore eyes
The distinctive red rash shows up 3-4 days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before moving down the body. This rash usually lasts about a week.
Someone with measles can spread it to others from one day before they feel sick until four days after their rash appears.
Growing List of Places Where You Might Have Been Exposed
Health officials have traced the movements of infected people and found dozens of places where others might have been exposed. Recent locations include:
ALDI in East Victoria Park on April 17, McDonalds Ascot drive-through the same day, and Bunbury Regional Hospital Emergency Department on April 16. Earlier exposure sites include 7-Eleven Maddington, Krispy Kreme Cannington drive-through, and Woolworths Dalyellup.
Bunbury Regional Hospital appears multiple times on the exposure list, indicating ongoing transmission risks at this healthcare facility.
If you visited any exposure site during the listed times, you should monitor yourself for symptoms for 18 days afterward. There’s no ongoing risk at these places outside the specific times listed.
WA Health maintains a complete list of all exposure sites with exact times on their website.
Are You at Risk?
Anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t had two doses of the measles vaccine could catch the disease if exposed. This especially includes people who never got vaccinated, those who only had one shot, and people who can’t remember if they were vaccinated.
Recent travelers from countries experiencing measles outbreaks may have brought the virus back with them. Several countries around the world are currently experiencing measles outbreaks.
If you visited any of the exposure sites during the times listed, you should consider yourself potentially exposed.
Young babies who haven’t had their vaccines yet, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems need to be extra careful. They’re not only more likely to catch measles but also face greater dangers if they do.
Not Just a Rash: Serious Health Risks
Measles is far more dangerous than many people realize. It’s not just an uncomfortable childhood illness with a rash.
People who get measles can develop serious complications. These can include pneumonia (lung infection), ear infections that can lead to hearing loss, and severe diarrhea.
In more serious cases, the virus can cause encephalitis – inflammation of the brain that can result in permanent damage. Many people with measles feel so sick they need hospital care.
Young children and those with weak immune systems face the highest risk of these dangerous complications. Measles can be fatal, which is why health officials take outbreaks so seriously.
Think You Have Measles? Here’s What to Do
If you develop a fever and rash after visiting any exposure site, don’t rush straight to a crowded waiting room. Measles spreads so easily that you could infect many others.
Instead, put on a mask right away and stay away from others. Call your doctor or hospital before going in. Tell them you might have measles and have been at an exposure site. They’ll give you specific instructions on how to come in safely without putting others at risk.
The virus can spread quickly in waiting rooms, so this advance notice is crucial.
For medical advice after hours, you can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for guidance.
Vaccines: Still Your Best Defense
The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine remains the most reliable way to avoid getting measles. Two doses give strong, long-lasting protection.
Australian children normally get their first shot at 12 months and the second at 18 months as part of the standard immunization schedule. Parents planning overseas travel can get babies as young as six months vaccinated early if they’re heading to countries with measles outbreaks.
Even with an early shot, babies should still get their regular doses at 12 and 18 months to ensure full protection.
Anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t had two documented doses should check with their doctor about getting vaccinated. The vaccines are free for anyone at risk, even for people without Medicare.
Global Context
The WA outbreak comes amid increased measles activity worldwide. Australia had achieved measles elimination, but imported cases from countries with ongoing outbreaks can trigger local spread, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.
For effective community protection against measles, about 95% of people need to be fully vaccinated. This creates what health experts call “herd immunity,” which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated.
The current situation underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and being alert to potential symptoms, particularly for those who have traveled internationally or visited exposure sites.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and update exposure locations as new cases are identified.
