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The Department of Health is working closely with Hakea Prison to manage a confirmed case of measles within the facility.
The person is currently receiving medical treatment in a metropolitan hospital.
A/Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Jelena Maticevic said Public Health staff were working with Hakea Prison and Justice Health to identify and manage any exposure to prisoners and staff related to the case.
“This includes contact tracing those within the facility and anyone who has since been discharged, as well as supporting Justice Health to offer vaccines to prisoners and staff who aren’t already protected against measles,” Dr Maticevic said.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral illness that can spread easily to those who are not immune to measles.
“Fortunately, the measles vaccine is extremely effective,” Dr Maticevic said.
“The Western Australian community are generally well vaccinated against measles, however some may not have received the recommended two doses.
“The current focus is to prevent additional cases, as well as to promptly identify any new cases.”
The Department of Health and Justice Health will continue to work closely to reduce the risk of further infection.
Justice Health and Prison staff have well practiced systems and protocols to carefully and effectively manage these types of outbreaks in correctional facilities.
Anyone who visited Hakea Prison between 16 March to 21 March 2025 is urged to check their immunisation record.
If someone is unsure of their immunity to measles, they should contact their immunisation provider about getting a measles vaccine and monitor themselves for symptoms.
Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a red blotchy non-itchy rash three or four days later which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are usually quite unwell.
If a visitor to Hakea Prison on the above dates develops a fever or respiratory symptoms within the next two weeks, they should seek medical care after calling ahead to the GP practice or emergency department to let them know they may have measles.
Anyone concerned they may have measles can contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or their general practitioner (GP).
Free measles vaccines are available to all Western Australians who are not immune to measles.
Due to high vaccination coverage, measles has been eliminated from Australia for more than 25 years. Measles outbreaks have been occurring in overseas countries in recent years, including in Pakistan, India, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as others. Imported cases or small outbreaks occur in Australia as people are infected overseas.
More information about measles is available on the HealthyWA website.
(ENDS)
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