Measles Update

As previously raised in January, Perth is currently responding to one of its worst Measles outbreaks in recent memory. At time of writing there have been 5 cases with 2 hospitalised and numerous exposure locations.
Once again this appears to have happened from a returning traveller picking up Measles overseas and bringing it back to Perth. A timely reminder to check you are immune to Measles before travelling overseas which may include anyone born after 1965. For details of who is at risk please refer to the previous alert or check out the following links;

https://www.health.wa.gov.au/News/2025/Metropolitan-Perth-measles-alert-20-March
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Measles

People generally think of Malaria and Hepatitis when they travel overseas, and Measles is usually long forgotten in the preparation. In fact there have been a significant amount of cases brought back to Australia by overseas travellers who are generally unaware that they are at risk. Long known to be a problem related to travel, this appears to have worsened since borders reopened after Covid 19.
Measles is an unpleasant illness for individuals and is highly infectious to others, particularly young children, unvaccinated individuals and those with impaired immune systems. It also causes a massive workload for contact tracing teams at the WA Health Department.
Prevention is key. There is a free MMR vaccine available to most travellers. Those born between 1966 and 1982 may have only received one vaccine and are considered under-immunised and still at risk. People born more recently should have received two vaccines, but should check to be sure.
WHO declared Australia measles free in 2014. All subsequent outbreaks here have been traced back to someone returning with it from overseas, making immunity in travellers vital.
Whilst given at 12 and 18 months on the current childhood schedule, the first dose can be given as young as 9 months and early immunisation is often considered for those children whose overseas travel puts them at particular high risk.
Are you immune to Measles?
ABC: Measles Outbreak in South East Asia
Health Direct: Measles