A confirmed case of measles has emerged at a mining operation in Newman, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The mining company BHP reported that an individual who had traveled to Newman attended work at the site on July 2, 2025. In response, several staff members are now in isolation as a precautionary measure.
BHP confirmed that the individual has been off-site for the past week and that no additional cases have been reported. The company stated, “We are managing a single confirmed case of measles at our Newman Operations.” The health and safety team is collaborating with the WA Department of Health to monitor the situation closely.
Isolation Protocols Implemented
Newman, a community of approximately 7,000 residents, is home to two of BHP’s major iron ore mines, producing around 78 million tonnes of iron ore annually. While no further cases have been confirmed within the town, it has been reported that several staff members at the BHP camp are isolating, with a few displaying cold and flu-like symptoms.
The WA Health Department has identified two locally acquired cases of measles this week, including one individual who traveled from Newman to Perth on Qantas flight QF1705 on June 23, before returning to Newman on July 2. The individual was also reported to have visited a fuel station in Newman on the morning of July 4 and then flew back to Perth on July 7.
Impact on the Community and Health Alerts
The health alert has prompted warnings for anyone who was at the Perth, Newman, or Port Hedland airports during this timeframe to monitor for symptoms. Port Hedland, a significant hub for FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) workers, was also mentioned in connection with a second case of measles involving a member of the Qantas flight crew. This individual traveled to Port Hedland on July 3 and returned to Perth shortly after.
Exposure locations also include various retail and food establishments in the Perth suburbs of Scarborough and Mindarie, with dates ranging from July 1 to July 8. The Department of Health has indicated that while measles symptoms typically surface around ten days post-exposure, they can take up to 18 days to manifest.
Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through airborne droplets. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, runny nose, cough, sore eyes, and a distinctive red rash. The illness can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and in rare cases, death. Individuals who visited the reported locations and develop symptoms are urged to seek medical advice promptly, while notifying healthcare providers of the potential infection risk.
Australia had been declared measles-free in 2014, yet imported cases continue to be diagnosed. BHP continues to implement health protocols to ensure the safety of its employees and the surrounding community in light of this situation.
