WA Health issues measles alert after returned travel visits several healthcare sites while infected

West Aussies in Perth’s eastern suburbs are being urged to monitor for symptoms after a measles case was confirmed in a returned traveller from South East Asia.

The traveller returned to Perth on a Jetstar flight on November 30 before visiting several public places in the metro area, particularly in the Armadale area, over the next several days to December 6.

Some sites include the emergency department at Armadale Health Service, a GP clinic and two pharmacies in the area.

WA Health issued an alert on Tuesday, urging anyone who visited a listed exposure site to watch for symptoms for 18 days after the potential exposure.

Communicable Disease Control director Dr Paul Armstrong said anyone with symptoms should be tested and their doctor should notify the Department of Health.

“I urge anyone who has visited an exposure location during the dates and times listed to monitor for symptoms, and if symptoms develop, wear a mask and seek medical care,” Dr Armstrong said.

Early symptoms of measles include fever, tiredness, 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 before spreading to the rest of the body.

“Call ahead before presenting at a clinic or emergency department so staff can ensure you do not infect other patients and staff,” Dr Armstrong said.

WA Health said high vaccination coverage means measles has largely been eliminated from Australia for more than 25 years, but imported cases or small outbreaks can still occur, usually from overseas travellers.

According to the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard, it’s the fifth case of measles in WA for 2024 of 50 reported cases Australia-wide.

For the full list of exposure sites and more information on symptoms to monitor for, visit WA Health’s measles alert online.