Dozens of measles exposure sites have been identified across Western Australia

Authorities are urging people to get vaccinated for the potentially deadly virus after dozens of measles exposure sites were identified across one Aussie state.

Authorities are urging people to get vaccinated for measles after dozens of exposure sites were identified in Western Australia. Picture: ACS

Authorities are urging people to be alert for measles with dozens of exposure sites identified across Western Australia, after a case was confirmed at a major hospital.

Contact tracing found people infected with measles visited more than 30 sites across the Perth metro area, and regional towns in the state’s South West since March 12.

Places included retail stores, playgrounds, medical centres, food outlets, cafes, a beach, Bunbury Regional Hospital and Hakea Prison.

WA Health acting director of Communicable Disease Control Paul Effler said they were working with the Bunbury hospital to manage exposure to staff, patients and visitors.

Contact tracing found people infected with measles visited more than 30 sites across the Perth metro area, and regional towns in the state’s South West since March 12.

“Extensive contact tracing and infection control measures are underway within the hospital and other locations visited by the case to prevent further infection,” he said.

“It is important that anyone aged under 60 (who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine) and who visited Bunbury Regional Hospital between March 19 and 23 monitor for symptoms, particularly fever and respiratory illness.

“They should continue to monitor themselves for 7 to 18 days after the visit.”

Early measles symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash three or four days later.

The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

WA Health acting director of Communicable Disease Control Paul Effler said measles can cause very serious illness, and it was fortunate a highly effective vaccine was available to prevent infection.

Dr Effler said measles can cause very serious illness, and it was fortunate a highly effective vaccine was available to prevent infection.

“This is a timely reminder to all Western Australians to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations,” he said.

“People born after 1965 are encouraged to check their immunisation status to make sure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine.

“Making sure you are protected is especially important for people planning overseas travel as there are measles outbreaks occurring in several countries throughout the world.”

Dr Effler said people who think they may have measles should seek medical care after calling ahead to their GP or emergency department to discuss their situation.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported measles appeared to be bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.

About 30 cases had been reported across Australia in March 2025 including 13 in NSW and Victoria, compared to 57 cases in 2024, and 26 cases in 2023.