Bold reality check: measles remains a serious, highly infectious disease, with clusters still showing up in communities and travel hubs. Here’s a thorough, beginner-friendly rewrite of the latest WA measles alert, preserving every key detail while clarifying and expanding where helpful.
Measles Alert — December 13, 2025
Status: Active
Last updated: December 13, 2025
Issued by: Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate
Audience: Health professionals and the Western Australia community
Overview
There have been 57 confirmed measles cases in Western Australia so far in 2025. Measles typically shows up about 10 days after exposure, though the window can range from 7 to 18 days. The illness is extremely contagious and spreads through airborne droplets, which means it can travel in close spaces like waiting rooms. Infected droplets may remain in the air and cause infection for up to 30 minutes after an infected person leaves a room.
Symptoms to watch for
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, painful eyes
- A red blotchy rash appearing about 3–4 days after symptoms start, usually beginning on the face and spreading downward over the body; the rash generally lasts 4–7 days
People with measles usually feel very unwell, and some require hospital care. Complications can include pneumonia and, less commonly, encephalitis (brain inflammation). Even if someone has been vaccinated, they can still get measles, though the illness is usually milder and shorter.
Infectious period
People with measles can spread the virus from one day before symptoms appear until four days after the rash begins.
Exposure locations and guidance
If you visited any of the listed sites during the specified dates and times, monitor for symptoms for 7–18 days after your visit, especially if you are not immune to measles. If symptoms develop, seek medical advice promptly. If you develop symptoms, please follow the section below on what to do.
Immunity and vaccination status
- People with documented proof of two measles-containing vaccines, or those born before 1966, are considered immune.
- Vaccinated individuals can sometimes experience a mild illness.
There is no ongoing risk of measles at the locations listed outside the dates and times shown. New locations are highlighted in bold.
Date and time
Location
Address
Monitor for symptoms until end of period
Tuesday 09/12/2025 5:42pm–7:15pm
Perth International Airport, Terminal 1
Horrie Miller Drive, Perth Airport WA 6105
27/12/2025
Tuesday 09/12/2025 3:00am–5:42pm
Emirates Flight EK420, Dubai to Perth
27/12/2025
Monday 08/12/2025 9:00am–9:45am
Terry White Chemist Eaton Fair
Shop 81, Eaton Fair Shopping Centre, Eaton, WA 6232
26/12/2025
Saturday 06/12/2025 10:45am–11:30am
Flow 36 Café
Unit 14/31 Holman Street, Bunbury Waterfront, WA 6230
24/12/2025
Saturday 06/12/2025 10:00am–11:00am
Bunbury Markets Queens Gardens, Bunbury, WA 6230
24/12/2025
Tuesday 02/12/2025 11:15am–12:20pm
Kmart Eaton Fair
Shop 67/2 Recreation Drive, Eaton, WA 6232
20/12/2025
Sunday 30/11/2025 10:00am–11:45am
Bunnings Australind 58 The Promenade, Australind WA 6233 18/12/2025
Saturday 29/11/2025 3:15pm–6:00pm
Eaton Tavern 1 Albatross Crescent, Eaton WA 6232 17/12/2025
Saturday 29/11/2025 10:50am–11:45am
JB Hi Fi Bunbury Homemaker Centre 62/42 Strickland Street, Bunbury WA 6230 17/12/2025
Wednesday 26/11/2025 4:45pm–5:25pm
Terry White Pharmacy Eaton Fair Shop 81 Eaton Fair Shopping Centre Eaton WA 6232 14/12/2025
Monday 24/11/2025 8:35am–9:20am
Coles The Village Shopping Centre Old Coast Road & Paris Road, Australind WA 6233 12/12/2025
Saturday 22/11/2025 8:20am–9:10am
HealthSave Chemist Treendale 5–7/10 The Promenade, Australind WA 6233 10/12/2025
Saturday 22/11/2025 8:35am–9:05am
Camilles 15 The Promenade, Australind WA 6233 10/12/2025
Saturday 22/11/2025 8:10am–9:00am
Woolworths Eaton Fair Eaton Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Recreation Drive, Eaton WA 6232 10/12/2025
Who is at risk
- Overseas travelers or anyone who visited any of the exposure sites and is not immune to measles.
- People born after 1965 who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Check vaccination records to confirm immunity.
Those at higher risk of severe illness include immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant women.
What to do if you develop symptoms
- Put on a mask, isolate, and seek medical testing for measles.
- Before visiting a clinic or emergency department, call ahead to inform them of a potential measles infection. This helps staff prepare and ensure proper isolation measures to prevent spread.
- Follow the clinic’s instructions, including wearing a mask when you attend.
If you are concerned about potential measles after-hours, you can contact HealthDirect at 1800 022 222 for guidance.
Prevention: measles vaccination
Public health guidance urges everyone to stay up to date with vaccines. People born after 1965 should have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine. If unsure, another dose can be received. Many countries are experiencing measles outbreaks, so plan ahead if you travel.
- Babies as young as six months can receive an MMR vaccine before international travel, under a doctor's advice.
- The first MMR dose is typically given at 12 months as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). If a baby receives an early dose (e.g., at eight months) for travel, they will still need the routine 12-month and 18-month doses per the NIP schedule.
Information for health professionals
Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for measles, especially in patients who have recently traveled overseas. Ensure staff are vigilant and that suspected cases are rapidly identified.
Guidance for clinics and emergency departments
- Ask patients about recent travel, contact with known measles cases, or attendance at exposure sites when evaluating acute illness.
- At first contact, identify anyone with measles-like illness, provide a mask, and isolate immediately. Use a negative pressure room if available, or a single room with the door closed, and apply airborne precautions for all staff entering. Ensure staff caring for the patient are immune to measles.
- Leave consultation rooms used for suspected measles vacant for at least 30 minutes after the patient leaves.
- Consider testing for measles in patients with fever and rash. Recommended tests (mark as urgent):
1) Measles PCR on throat swab or nasopharyngeal specimen, and first catch urine; if possible, collect 3 mL of blood in an EDTA tube.
2) Measles serology (3 mL blood in SST tube) for IgM and IgG.
- Suspected cases should isolate until results are known.
Reporting and vaccination actions
- Urgently notify your local Public Health Unit by phone (8am–5pm, Mon–Fri, excluding holidays) or the on-call public health physician after hours.
- Ensure travelers are up to date with routine vaccines and any travel vaccines. FreeMMR vaccines are available for susceptible individuals, even if they are not Medicare-eligible. Serology is not required before vaccination, and a second MMR dose can be given if there is uncertainty about prior vaccination.
- Refer to the Measles Quick Guide for frontline healthcare workers (link provided in the original notice) for additional details.
Controversy and ongoing discussion
Measles vaccination remains a topic of debate in some communities, particularly around vaccine hesitancy and mandates. While evidence strongly supports vaccination to prevent outbreaks, some individuals question vaccine schedules or fear side effects. The key takeaway is that two well-documented doses offer high protection, and vaccination supports herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated. Do you think messaging around measles vaccination should focus more on personal protection, community protection, or both? Share your perspective in the comments.
