WA Health says undetected measles cases a possibility after locally acquired case confirmed

Health authorities believe there have been undetected cases of measles in WA after confirming a locally acquired case.

WA Health issued a public health warning on Friday evening, listing exposure sites in Perth and the Pilbara.

The infectious person travelled between Perth and Newman, visiting several locations between July 1 and 7 including a Scarborough gym and Perth Airport.

“The latest case had no recent interstate or overseas travel history or known sick contacts, indicating that there have been undetected cases of measles in WA,” Communicable Diseases Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said.

“Measles can spread very quickly and anyone who is not immune is at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed.”

Dr Armstrong urged the WA community to be especially vigilant with more people travelling during the school holiday period.

Measles is a highly infectious virus which can spread via airborne droplets. It usually develops 10 days after exposure but can take between seven and 18 days.

Symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a florid red non-itchy rash three or four days later. The rash commonly starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Anyone not already immune to measles who visited a site at the dates below is advised to monitor for symptoms up to 18 days after possible exposure.

It brings WA’s total caseload for the year to 21.

People with two doses of the measles vaccination and those born before 1966 are considered immune to measles.

Anyone concerned they or a loved one may have measles should seek medical care and call ahead to prevent the chance of spreading the infection.

Healthdirect 1800 022 222

Exposure sites:

• Monday 7/07/2025, 11.30am to 12.20pm, Perth Airport, Terminal 3/4 Miller Road, Perth Airport WA 6105
• Monday 7/07/2025, 9.30am to 11.30am, Qantas flight QF1705, Newman to Perth
• Monday 7/07/2025, 9.25am to 10.00am, Newman Airport Ruland Circuit, Newman WA 6753
• Friday 4/07/2025, 6.00am to 6.45am, Shell Smart Mart Newman 1 Newman Drive, Newman WA 6753
• Wednesday 2/07/2025, 3:20pm to 4:00pm, Newman AirportRuland Circuit, Newman WA 6753
• Wednesday 2/07/2025, 1:35pm to 3:20pm, Qantas flight QF1708, Perth to Newman
• Wednesday 2/07/2025, 12:00pm to 2:00pm, Perth Airport, Terminal 3/4 Miller Road, Perth Airport WA 6105
• Tuesday 1/07/2025, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Zambrero Scarborough 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
• Tuesday 1/07/2025, 12:00pm to 2:30pm, Revo Fitness Scarborough 241 West Coast Highway, Scarborough WA 6019
• Tuesday 1/07/2025, 11:00am to 12:30pm, Coles Scarborough Corner West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough WA 6019.