19 April 2025

Metropolitan Perth and South West measles alert

Status: Active
Date issued: 20 March 2025 – Update to alert issued 19 April 2025
Issued by: A/Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Jelena Maticevic
Issued to: Health professionals and the WA community

Measles cases have been active in the community. 

Who is at risk?

• Anyone who has travelled overseas or attended any of the above listed areas, and are not immune to measles, are at risk of developing measles. Those presenting with signs and symptoms of measles should be tested and the Department of Health notified. Note there is no ongoing risk of measles at the above-named locations outside of the dates and times listed.
• Anyone born after 1965 and who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is at risk of contracting measles. Vaccination status should be confirmed with documented evidence of vaccination or immunity (via a blood test).
• Those at risk of severe illness from measles include immunocompromised people, young children and pregnant women.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore red eyes.
• Red blotchy rash, appears 3-4 days later. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down to the body, and can last for 4-7 days.

People with measles usually feel very unwell, and some may end up in hospital. Complications include pneumonia, and less often, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

People with measles are usually infectious (able to pass on the virus to others) from one day before their symptoms start and for four days after their rash appears.

Recommendations

General public

Anyone who attended the exposure sites during the listed dates and times, may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms from 7 to 18 days after attending that location.

People with measles typically develop symptoms around 10 days (range 7-18 days) after being exposed to the virus.

Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should put on a mask, isolate and seek medical care to be tested for measles.

Before visiting a general practice clinic or emergency department, it is important to:

• call ahead to let them know of a potential measles infection, so they can provide instruction on where to go and ensure appropriate isolation measures are taken to prevent spread to other patients or staff
• follow their instructions, including wearing a mask when attending

Anyone concerned they may have measles and require medical advice after hours can contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

The general public are urged to stay up to date with their vaccinations. People born after 1965 should make sure they have had two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine at some stage in their life.

Anyone planning overseas travel should see their general practitioner or a travel doctor to discuss appropriate vaccinations prior to travel.

• Babies as young as six months can receive a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to travel overseas to countries where measles is prevalent.
• The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 months as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. If a baby receives an early dose of MMR vaccine (e.g. at eight months) prior to travelling overseas, it is recommended they still receive their routine 12-month and 18-month doses in line with the NIP schedule.

Health professionals

Health professionals should be alert for measles, particularly among returned overseas travellers – ensure all staff have a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with a febrile rash.

General practices and emergency departments should:

• Ask about recent travel when assessing acute illness.
• Identify people with measles-compatible illness at reception or triage, provide a mask and isolate immediately – consultation rooms used in the assessment of patients with suspected measles should be left vacant for at least 30 minutes after the consultation.
• Consider testing patients presenting with fever and rash for measles – the recommended laboratory tests for diagnosis of acute measles include: a throat swab (or nasopharyngeal aspirate) PCR, and first catch urine PCR; serum samples for serology to check immunity can also be sent.
• Notify suspected cases immediately to your local Public Health Unit by telephone (8am to 5pm Mon-Fri excluding public holidays) or to the Department of Health (after hours).

Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles, even if they are not eligible for Medicare. Serology is not required before vaccinating.

Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they are up to date with all routine vaccinations and consider receiving additional travel vaccinations.