Measles alert

Status: Active
Last updated: 6 November 2025
Issued by: Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Paul Armstrong
Issued to: Health professionals and the WA community

There have been 54 cases of measles identified in WA in 2025 year to date.

Measles typically develops around 10 days after being exposed to the virus, but this can vary from 7 to 18 days.

Measles is highly infectious and can spread via airborne droplets to people close by (e.g. in waiting rooms). Droplets in the air may still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left it.

Symptoms of measles

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 may include pneumonia, and less often, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Those who have previously been vaccinated may still develop measles however the infection is usually milder and doesn’t last as long.

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

Who is at risk of developing measles?

Overseas travellers or anyone who has attended any of the above locations, and is not immune to measles.
Anyone born after 1965 and who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is considered not immune to measles. Vaccination status should be confirmed with documented evidence of vaccination.
Those at risk of severe illness from measles include immunocompromised people, young children and pregnant women.

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.

What to do if you develop symptoms of measles

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.

How to prevent measles – measles vaccination

Many countries around the world are experiencing measles outbreaks. 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, on advice of a doctor.

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, they will still need their routine 12-month and 18-month doses in line with the NIP schedule.

Information for 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 if individuals have recently traveled, been in contact with a known measles case, or attended an exposure site, when accessing acute illness.
Identify people with measles-compatible illness at reception or triage, provide a mask and isolate them immediately. Place the person in a negative pressure isolation room where available, or a single room with the door closed, and apply airborne precautions for all staff entering the room. Staff caring for the patient must be immune to measles.
Consultation rooms used in the assessment of patients with suspected measles should be left vacant for at least 30 minutes after the patient leaves.
Consider testing patients presenting with fever and rash for measles. The following laboratory tests are recommended for suspected measles – mark the request form as urgent:
1. measles PCR on the following specimens:
  - throat swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate in viral transport medium (or dry swab), and
  - first catch urine
  - if possible, also collect 3mL of blood in an EDTA tube.
2. Measles serology: if possible, collect 3mL blood in SST tube, and request measles IgM and IgG.
  Suspected cases should be advised to isolate until results are available.
Urgently notify suspected measles cases to your local Public Health Unit by telephone (8am to 5pm Mon-Fri, excluding public holidays) or to the on-call public health physician if after hours.
Ensure anyone planning overseas travel is up to date with all routine vaccinations and any additional travel vaccinations. Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles, even if they are not eligible for Medicare. Serology is not required before vaccinating. People can receive another MMR vaccine dose if they are uncertain if they have already had two doses.
Refer to the Measles Quick Guide for further information.