Karmactive Staff
The Western Australian Department of Health’s measles alert for Metropolitan Perth and the South West remains active as cases continue to climb, with 15 confirmed cases recorded since March 19, 2025.
Health officials updated their warning on April 19, noting the highly contagious nature of the disease remains a concern across the region. The outbreak is part of a nationwide trend, with Australia recording 59 measles cases so far in 2025, already exceeding last year’s total of 57 cases.
“Measles is active in the community,” said Acting Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr. Jelena Maticevic, who emphasized the disease’s ability to spread rapidly through airborne droplets.
Disease Spread and Symptoms
Measles typically develops about 10 days after exposure but can take anywhere from 7 to 18 days to appear. What makes measles particularly concerning is its extraordinary contagiousness – a single infected person can spread the virus to 12-18 others in a population with no immunity.
The virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left a room, creating risk in enclosed spaces like waiting rooms, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities.
Symptoms begin with fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes, followed by a distinctive red blotchy rash 3-4 days later that typically starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Exposure Sites Expand
Health authorities have identified numerous exposure locations across Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, and surrounding areas. The most recent exposure sites include:
- Bunbury Regional Hospital Emergency Department (April 16)
- Woolworths in Dalyellup (April 11)
- Southwest Hospital Pharmacy (April 11)
- San Churro in Karrinyup (April 9)
- The Last Slice pizza restaurant in Dalyellup (April 7)
- Rotary Park BBQ in Busselton (April 6)
Anyone who visited these locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if they develop. Those born before 1966 or who have received two measles vaccinations are generally considered immune.
Healthcare Response and Prevention
Health officials are urging anyone with symptoms to call ahead before visiting medical facilities so appropriate isolation measures can be implemented. This prevents further spread in vulnerable healthcare settings.
The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective prevention tool. In Western Australia, it’s given at 12 months and 18 months of age as part of the standard childhood immunization schedule.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Anthony Lawler acknowledged the rising cases but advised the public to “remain vigilant rather than alarmed.” He highlighted ongoing contact tracing efforts by epidemiologists to contain the spread.
International Context and At-Risk Groups
Several countries worldwide are experiencing measles outbreaks, presenting risks to unvaccinated travelers. Individuals planning international travel should verify their vaccination status before departure.
Those most vulnerable to severe measles complications include young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, severe diarrhea, and in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation).
The current vaccination rate for two-year-olds in Western Australia has fallen to 91%, below the 95% threshold needed for effective herd immunity, heightening community vulnerability to outbreaks.
People born after 1965 who haven’t received two measles vaccine doses are urged to get vaccinated. Free catch-up vaccinations are available under the National Immunisation Program for those under 20 without two documented doses and for refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.
