Western Australia Issues Measles Alert Following Case in Bali Traveller

Measles Case Confirmed in Returned Traveller

Western Australia Health has issued a public health alert following the confirmation of the state's first measles case for 2026. The case involves a returned traveller from Bali, prompting concerns about potential community transmission. This marks the initial measles diagnosis in Western Australia this year, contrasting with the 63 cases recorded throughout 2025.

The highly infectious disease has led to the identification of five public exposure sites across Perth, which individuals who visited during specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms.

Identified Exposure Locations in Perth

WA Health has released a list of locations where the infectious individual was present, urging anyone who attended these sites during the indicated periods to be vigilant for measles symptoms for up to 18 days following exposure.

• South Street Pharmacy in Murdoch: Monday, January 19, between 8:40 am and 9:15 am.
• Woolworths Coolbellup: Friday, January 16, between 7:05 pm and 7:40 pm.
• Bunnings O'Connor: Friday, January 16, between 7:10 am and 7:50 am.
• Melville Toyota: Thursday, January 15, between 7:50 am and 8:30 am and again from 4:15 pm to 4:45 pm.
• Wembley Golf Club: Wednesday, January 14, between 11:15 am and 11:50 am.

Understanding Measles and Vaccination

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through airborne droplets, which can remain in the air for up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left an area. The incubation period typically lasts around 10 days, but can range from 7 to 18 days. Initial symptoms often resemble a cold, including fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, and sore red eyes. A characteristic red blotchy rash usually appears 3-4 days later, starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

Complications from measles can be severe, potentially leading to pneumonia and, less commonly, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Up to one-third of individuals infected with measles may require hospitalisation. Individuals are typically infectious from one day before symptoms begin until four days after the rash emerges.

WA Health strongly advises the public to ensure their measles vaccinations are current, particularly for those planning international travel. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is recommended and available for free in Western Australia for eligible individuals. Anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is considered not immune.

National Context of Measles Cases

The Western Australian case contributes to a broader national picture of measles activity. In 2025, Australia recorded a total of 181 measles cases. As of January 20, 2026, an additional 11 cases had been reported across other Australian states, including four in New South Wales, five in Queensland, and two in Victoria. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated its measles advice on January 16, 2026, recommending an additional vaccine dose for infants aged 6-11 months travelling overseas.