WA Health warns West Australians planning Bali trip to ensure they are protected against measles

WA Health is warning West Australians planning to travel to Bali to make sure they are protected against measles.

It follows two recent measles cases being diagnosed in NSW in travellers returning from Bali.

Acting Director Communicable Diseases Control Directorate Dr Paul Effler said although measles was uncommon in Australia, the virus still circulated widely in many parts of the world including popular holiday destinations such as Bali.

“Measles is highly infectious so anyone who is not immune is at risk of getting infected if they are exposed,” Dr Effler said.

“Measles illness can be very severe and often requires hospitalisation. Fortunately, it is preventable through vaccination.”

The last case of measles in WA was reported in April 2023 in an unvaccinated traveller from India.

Symptoms of measles include fever, red and sore eyes and a cough, which is followed by a prominent red, blotchy rash several days later which spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

Anyone arriving from overseas who develops symptoms of measles is advised to call ahead to their GP or the closest emergency department.

“It’s important that people who may have measles don’t wait in waiting areas with other patients,” Effler said.

“Two doses of measles vaccine provides excellent, long-term protection.”

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and is included on the National Immunisation Program for children at 12 and 18 months of age.