WA measles outbreak: New exposure sites in South West as cluster grows

Department of Health contact tracing teams have identified three new measles exposure sites after another case was confirmed in WA.

Almost three cases a week have been reported to WA Health over the past six weeks, with 17 people recorded as having the highly contagious illness since March 19.

It brings the State’s total to date to 18 — triple the entire caseload for 2024.

The latest case is linked to the South West outbreak, which started at Hakea Prison in Perth last month before making its way south to Bunbury Regional Prison and Bunbury Regional Hospital.

A TransWA bus station in Donnybrook and the Happy Herb Shop in Bunbury are the latest locations.

Anyone who attended those locations on the dates and times listed below should monitor for symptoms for seven to 18 days after exposure.

WA Health is reminding the public to check their immunisation records if they haven’t already, noting “two doses of the measles vaccine are highly effective in preventing infection”.

Infants under 12 months are especially vulnerable to the highly infectious disease, however, as they are too young to be fully vaccinated.

The first dose of the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given at 12 months, and the second dose at 18 months.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads via airborne droplets. It takes about 10 days for the virus to develop, and early symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, a runny nose and sore eyes.

A bright red, non-itchy rash usually appears three or four days later, starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or brain inflammation.

The vaccine is free in WA for anyone born in or after 1966, who hasn’t already had two doses.

Australia has recorded 69 cases of measles this year.

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

Anyone concerned they or a loved one may have measles should warn their GP or emergency department before seeking medical care or contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Exposure sites:

• Monday, 21 April 2025, 18:00-18:30, Drooley’s Pizza Lounge, 70 Victoria St, Bunbury
• Monday 21 April 2025, 11:00am-12.30pm, Happy Herb Shop, 3/13 Prinsep St, Bunbury
• Sunday 20 April 2025, 13:00-14:00, TransWA Donnybrook bus station, South Western Highway, Donnybrook.