Residents of Western Australia (WA) are being urged to ensure they are vaccinated as the state confirmed two new cases of measles linked to travel in Bali. On September 6, 2023, WA Health announced that the latest infections were detected in Perth, increasing the total number of measles cases in the state to 35 this year.
The infected individuals visited several public venues while contagious, including a shopping centre in Butler, located in the city’s north. Health officials are advising anyone who frequented these locations on the same day to stay vigilant for symptoms associated with measles.
Public Health Advisory Issued
The venues of concern include Dan Murphy’s Butler and Coles Brighton at Brighton Village Shopping Centre, both visited on September 6 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Clare Huppatz, the acting director of the communicable diseases control directorate at WA Health, emphasized the ongoing threat of measles outbreaks, particularly from popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
“There is an ongoing risk of measles being brought into WA from overseas, especially from popular holiday destinations such as South-East Asia,” Huppatz stated. She highlighted the importance of vaccination, noting that the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is both effective and free for all residents of Western Australia.
Measles Symptoms and Public Caution
Members of the public are advised to monitor for symptoms of measles, which typically begin with fever, lethargy, a runny nose, moist cough, and sore red eyes. A red rash generally appears several days later, starting on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body.
WA Health reiterated the importance of vaccination, particularly as other regions, including Queensland, have reported measles outbreaks. Recently, Queensland Health confirmed cases linked to a hostel in Cairns, where an infected individual had traveled to Bali before visiting the Mad Monkey Waterfront hostel.
As the number of measles cases continues to rise, health experts stress the need for vaccination and vigilance among travellers returning from regions experiencing outbreaks.
