Pilbara measles outbreak: WA Health still searching for patient zero, testing sites remain open

Health authorities are still searching for the source of a measles outbreak in the Pilbara as cases persist in the community.

One new case was reported on Thursday, bringing the region’s most recent cluster to eight as contact tracers scramble to identify patient zero.

Hedland Health Campus remains a major exposure site, with three new timeframes added to the public health alert.

WA Health is urging residents and travellers to the region to stay vigilant for measles symptoms “following confirmed community transmission in the Hedland and Karratha areas”.

“Several measles cases have been identified with no known source, indicating there have been unidentified cases in the community,” the latest health alert said.

“This has likely been introduced from travellers returning from overseas.”

It means further cases are likely and the risk of measles in the community is ongoing, the department said.

Testing sites across the region remain open as the health department urges anyone with symptoms to get tested for the highly infectious virus.

Measles testing is available at Hedland Health Campus, Karratha Health Campus, Roebourne Hospital, Onslow Health Service and Newman Health Service. People are advised to call ahead before attending and wear a mask.

“Pilbara residents and travellers to the area should monitor for symptoms of measles and get tested immediately if symptoms develop,” Communicable Disease Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said.

“They should isolate until they receive a result.”

Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

There have been 47 cases of measles confirmed in WA in 2025 to date.

For the latest exposure site updates visit the public health alert online.

New exposure sites:

• Monday 06/10/2025, 6:30pm to 6:50pm, ED Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Way, South Hedland
• Monday 06/10/2025, 7:30am to 10:30am, ED Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Way, South Hedland
• Saturday 04/10/2025, 12:00pm to 1:00pm, General ward and common entrance, Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Way, South Hedland
• Wednesday 01/10/2025, 12:00pm to 1:00pm, Coles, South Hedland Shopping Centre, Colebatch Way & Rason Ct, South Hedland

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