WA Health has issued a reminder to people planning to travel overseas in the Christmas school holidays to ensure they are fully protected against measles, following two recently notified cases.
One case is an adult who is a returned overseas traveller from Vietnam, and the other a young child who is a household contact.
There have now been 56 cases of measles notified in WA in 2025 year to date.
Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination.
Dr Paul Armstrong, Director Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, said it was a timely reminder for people planning overseas travel to check they have received two doses of the measles vaccine.
“There is an ongoing risk of measles being brought into WA from overseas, especially from popular holiday destinations in south and south-east Asian countries,” he said.
“Anyone who is not immune is at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed.
“Measles can cause serious illness, particularly in young infants, and often requires hospitalisation.
“We are fortunate to have the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine which is extremely effective and free to all Western Australians.
“Infants aged 6 months to under 12 months are also eligible for a free MMR vaccine from their GP or at a travel clinic if they will be travelling overseas to a country with high levels of measles activity.”
Symptoms of measles include fever, fatigue, runny nose, red eyes as well as a cough, which is followed several days later by a prominent red rash.
The rash usually starts on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should contact their GP to urgently arrange testing and seek medical care.
They must call ahead to discuss their situation and wear a mask to prevent spreading the infection to others.
They can also contact healthdirect for advice on 1800 022 222.
For more information about the exposure locations related to this measles case and symptoms to monitor for, visit the measles health alert.
Information about measles and where to get vaccinated is available on HealthyWA.
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Immunisation information
Immunisation history statements can be accessed through a Medicare online account, or My Health Record, linked to myGov.
Those aged under 30 years should have their immunisations recorded online, while those aged 30 years or older may need to check their childhood immunisation record cards or with their doctor for a complete immunisation history.
People can receive another dose of MMR vaccine if they are unsure if they have previously received two doses.
People born after 1965 who do not have evidence of having received two doses of a measles vaccine can access a government-funded MMR vaccine from their GP or at a participating community pharmacy. A vaccine administration fee may apply.
People born before 1966 are generally considered to be immune to measles due to widespread circulation of measles virus prior to that time.
If an infant receives an MMR vaccine before 12 months of age, they will still need to receive two further doses after 12 months of age.
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