Measles Alert: One Case Confirmed in WA—Are You Protected?
22 January 2026
Status: Active
Last Updated: 22 January 2026
Issued by: Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate
Issued to: Health Professionals and the WA Community
Here’s a startling fact: Western Australia has already recorded one case of measles in 2026, a stark reminder of the ongoing threat this highly contagious disease poses. To put this in perspective, in 2025, WA saw 63 cases—a number that highlights the importance of vigilance and prevention. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite widespread vaccination efforts, measles continues to circulate, raising questions about immunity gaps and vaccine hesitancy. Are we doing enough to protect ourselves and our community?
Understanding Measles: What You Need to Know
Measles is no ordinary illness. It typically develops around 10 days after exposure to the virus, though this can range from 7 to 18 days. What makes it particularly dangerous is its ability to spread through airborne droplets, lingering in the air for up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left a room. This means you could catch it in places like waiting rooms, supermarkets, or even pharmacies—without ever coming face-to-face with an infected individual.
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles doesn’t just sneak up on you; it comes with a telltale set of symptoms, including:
- Fever: Often the first sign, signaling your body is fighting off the virus.
- Tiredness: Overwhelming fatigue that goes beyond your usual exhaustion.
- Runny Nose and Cough: Respiratory symptoms that can mimic a common cold.
- Sore, Red Eyes: Irritation that makes even light uncomfortable.
- Red Blotchy Rash: Appearing 3-4 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward. This rash can last for 4-7 days, leaving you feeling miserable.
And this is the part most people miss: measles isn’t just a childhood illness. While it’s often milder in those who’ve been vaccinated, it can still cause severe complications like pneumonia or, in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation). Even vaccinated individuals can contract it, though their symptoms are usually less severe and shorter-lived.
Who’s at Risk?
Not everyone is equally vulnerable. Those at highest risk include:
- Overseas Travelers: Measles outbreaks are rampant in many parts of the world, making travel a significant risk factor.
- Unvaccinated Individuals Born After 1965: If you haven’t received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, you’re considered non-immune.
- Immunocompromised People, Young Children, and Pregnant Women: These groups face a higher risk of severe illness if infected.
Exposure Locations: Were You There?
If you visited any of the following locations during the specified dates and times, you may have been exposed. Monitor yourself for symptoms for 7 to 18 days after your visit, and seek medical advice if you notice anything unusual. New locations are highlighted in bold.
| Date and Time | Location | Address | Monitor Symptoms Until |
|----------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| 19/1/2026, 08:40am–09:15am | South Street Pharmacy | 386 South St, Perth WA 6163 | 6/2/2026 |
| 16/1/2026, 7:05pm–7:40pm | Woolworths Coolbellup | 1 Waverley Rd, Perth WA 6163 | 3/2/2026 |
| 16/1/2026, 07:10am–07:50am | Bunnings O’Connor | South St & Yarrick St, Perth WA 6163 | 3/2/2026 |
| 15/1/2026, 7:50am–8:30am & 4:15pm–4:45pm | Toyota Melville | N Lake Rd & Leach Hwy, Perth WA 6156 | 2/2/2026 |
| 14/1/2026, 11:15am–11:50am | Wembley Golf Club | 200 The Boulevard, Perth WA 6019 | 1/2/2026 |
What to Do If You Develop Symptoms
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. If you suspect you have measles:
1. Put on a Mask: Protect those around you from potential exposure.
2. Isolate Yourself: Stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
3. Seek Medical Care: Call your healthcare provider ahead of time to let them know you suspect measles. They’ll guide you on where to go and ensure proper isolation measures are in place.
For after-hours advice, contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Prevention is Key: Get Vaccinated
The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination. If you were born after 1965, ensure you’ve had two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Not sure? It’s better to get another dose than risk it. And if you’re planning international travel, consult your GP or a travel doctor to ensure you’re fully protected.
Did you know? Babies as young as six months can receive an early MMR vaccine before traveling to measles-prone countries, though they’ll still need their routine doses at 12 and 18 months as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
A Message for Health Professionals
Stay vigilant! Measles cases are often linked to overseas travel, so maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with a febrile rash. Here’s what you need to do:
- Screen Patients: Ask about recent travel, contact with measles cases, or visits to exposure sites.
- Isolate Suspected Cases: Provide masks and place patients in negative pressure rooms or single rooms with closed doors. Ensure staff caring for them are immune.
- Test and Notify: Consider measles PCR and serology tests for suspected cases, and notify your local Public Health Unit immediately.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
Measles isn’t just a disease of the past—it’s a present threat that requires collective action. Vaccination is our best defense, but it’s also about awareness and responsibility. Have you checked your vaccination status lately? And what do you think—are we doing enough to combat measles, or is there more we could be doing? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation that could save lives.
