Measles Alert WA 2025: Symptoms, Exposure Sites & Vaccination Guide (2026)

Measles Alert

13 December 2025

Status: Active
Last updated: 13 December 2025
Issued by: Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Paul Armstrong
Issued to: Health professionals and the Western Australia community

To date in 2025, Western Australia has identified 57 cases of measles. Measles typically manifests about 10 days after exposure, though this window can range from 7 to 18 days.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets to nearby individuals, such as those in waiting rooms. Droplets can remain suspended in the air and potentially cause infection for up to 30 minutes after an infected person has departed a room.

Symptoms of measles

Common signs include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, painful eyes
- A red blotchy rash that usually appears 3–4 days after symptoms start, beginning on the face and spreading downward; the rash typically lasts 4–7 days.

Most people with measles feel quite unwell, and some require hospital care. Complications can include pneumonia and, less frequently, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Those vaccinated previously can still contract measles, but the illness is generally milder and shorter in duration.

Infectious period: Individuals with measles are contagious from one day before symptoms begin until four days after the rash appears.

Exposure locations

People who visited any exposure site during the listed dates and times should monitor for symptoms for 7–18 days after their visit, especially if they are not immune. If symptoms develop, seek medical advice promptly. See the section What to do if you develop symptoms of measles below.

Immune status and vaccination

Individuals with documented evidence of two measles-containing vaccinations, or those born before 1966, are considered immune. Vaccinated individuals can occasionally experience a mild illness.

There is no ongoing risk of measles at the locations listed below beyond the dates and times shown. New locations are highlighted in bold.

Who is at risk?
- Overseas travelers or anyone who visited the above locations and is not immune to measles.
- People born after 1965 who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are considered not immune. Verify vaccination status with documentation.

High-risk groups for severe illness include immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant people.

If you develop symptoms
If you suspect you have measles, wear a mask, isolate, and seek testing promptly.

Before visiting a clinic or emergency department, please:
- Call ahead to inform them of a potential measles infection so they can direct you appropriately and ensure isolation measures are in place.
- Follow their guidance, including wearing a mask when you go.

If you need after-hours medical advice, contact Healthdirect at 1800 022 222.

Prevention and vaccination guidance
Public health authorities urge everyone to stay current with vaccines. People born after 1965 should ensure they have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine. If unsure, you can receive an additional dose.

Measles outbreaks are occurring in many countries. If you are planning international travel, consult your GP or a travel clinic about vaccine recommendations beforehand.

Babies as young as six months can receive a measles-containing vaccine before travel to regions with higher measles activity, after medical advice.
The first MMR dose is typically given at 12 months under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). If a baby receives an early dose (for travel), they will still need the 12-month and 18-month doses per the NIP schedule.

Information for health professionals
Clinicians should remain vigilant for measles, especially in patients who have recently traveled abroad. Maintain a high index of suspicion for fever with rash in returning travelers.

General practices and emergency departments should:
- Screen for recent travel, contact with a known measles case, or attendance at an exposure site when evaluating acute illness.
- Identify individuals with measles-compatible illness at reception or triage, provide a mask, and isolate them immediately. Utilize a negative-pressure isolation room if available, or a single room with the door closed, and apply airborne precautions for all staff entering. Ensure staff caring for the patient are immune to measles.
- Leave consultation rooms used for suspected measles vacant for at least 30 minutes after the patient leaves.
- Consider testing for measles in patients presenting with fever and rash. Recommended tests include:
1) Measles PCR using throat swab or nasopharyngeal specimen, first catch urine, and if possible, 3 mL of blood in EDTA tube.
2) Measles serology with 3 mL blood in SST tube to test for IgM and IgG.
- Advise suspected cases to isolate until results are available.

Urgent reporting
Report suspected measles cases to your local Public Health Unit by phone (8am–5pm, Mon–Fri, excluding public holidays) or to the on-call public health physician after hours.

Vaccination and travel notes
Ensure travelers are up to date with routine vaccines and travel-specific immunizations. FreeMMR vaccines are available to susceptible individuals, even if they do not qualify for Medicare, and serology is not required before vaccination. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, you can receive another MMR dose.

For more information, consult the Measles Quick Guide for primary healthcare workers and the Measles immunisation resources from Health.wa.gov.au.