Measles alert: WA Health lists 20 new exposure sites as three new measles cases returned to Perth from Bali

West Australians are being urged to check their vaccination status ahead of the school holidays after three more measles cases were confirmed in returned travellers to Perth from Bali.

WA Health released the public health alert on Wednesday, advising that three people had visited several public places while infectious, mainly in the southern suburbs.

Four of the places were public shopping centres in Kwinana, Rockingham, Baldivis and Mandurah.

Those without measles immunity who visited any exposure sites at the dates and times below are advised to monitor for symptoms between seven to 18 days after possible exposure.

The highly infectious virus has made its way into WA mainly via returned overseas travellers but local transmission has risen in recent months.

Of the 13 cases identified since July 14, nine have been locally acquired and four have been returned travellers.

Communicable Diseases Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said that it was a timely reminder to the community to check their immunisation records, particularly if they were planning overseas travel.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is extremely effective and free for all Western Australians,” he said.

“Adults aged between 30 to 60 years should get vaccinated if they do not have evidence of two doses of a measles vaccine.”

Dr Armstrong said that children were routinely offered the MMR jab at 12 and 18-months-old and could be immunised as early as six months if families are planning travel to high-risk areas.

“Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious illness, particularly in babies and young children and often requires hospitalisation, and in rare cases blindness or even death,” he said.

Symptoms usually start with a fever, fatigue, runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed several days later by a prominent red rash.

The rash typically starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

“Although measles is rare in Australia, we are seeing an increase in cases being brought in from overseas as it is a common illness in many countries around the world,” Dr Armstrong said.

“These include popular holiday destinations for Western Australians such as Indonesia, India, Vietnam and other countries in south and South East Asia.”

WA has recorded 33 measles cases in 2025 compared with just six cases in 2024.

The State’s growing caseload has also surpassed Victoria (32), making WA the top measles reporter nationwide, an unenviable feat it last achieved in 2018.

WA has contributed to a third of measles cases Australia-wide as the national caseload hits 99.

WA Health is encouraging anyone who is unsure if they have had both doses of the measles vaccine to get another “as it is safe and will ensure you are fully protected”.

Immunisation history statements can be accessed through a Medicare online account or My Health Record via myGov.

Those aged under 30 should have their immunisation records online, while those aged 30 or older may need to check their childhood immunisation record cards or with their doctor for a complete immunisation history.

For the full list of exposure sites, visit the WA Health alert.

Healthdirect 1800 022 222