WA Health has issued a measles alert after a returned overseas traveller visited a shopping centre, a 24-hour supermarket and a hospital emergency department in Perth while infectious.
The Department of Health confirmed the case on 28 October 2026. It has named three public exposure sites, spread across Perth's north and western suburbs, and is asking anyone who was there at the listed times to watch for symptoms over the coming fortnight.
Where and when
The public health alert lists these locations:
- Mirrabooka Square, 43 Yirrigan Drive, Mirrabooka, including Woolworths, Mirrabooka Fresh Fruit and Shaheen Store: Tuesday 20 October, 5.50pm to 6.40pm. Watch for symptoms from 27 October to 7 November.
- Taylor Road IGA (24 hours), 152 Stirling Highway, Nedlands: Tuesday 20 October, 9pm to 9.45pm. Watch for symptoms from 27 October to 7 November.
- Joondalup Health Campus Emergency Department, 60 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup: Monday 26 October, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Watch for symptoms from 2 November to 11 November.
WA Health says there is no known ongoing risk at any of the sites outside those dates and times. The department is also working with health services and businesses to contact people who may have been exposed, and it notes that new locations will be added in bold if more turn up.
What to look out for
Measles usually shows up around 10 days after exposure, but it can take anywhere from seven to 18 days. Early signs are fever, tiredness, a cough, a runny nose and sore eyes. A red rash that does not itch follows three or four days later, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body.
The department's advice is to put on a mask, stay away from work, school, childcare, shops and public transport, and ring ahead before turning up at a GP clinic or emergency department so staff can keep other patients safe.
"Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and people can be infectious before they develop symptoms." — Dr Paul Armstrong, Director of Communicable Disease Control
Dr Armstrong said anyone who visited the sites should stay alert for symptoms "even if they are currently feeling well".
People who want medical advice after hours can call 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422.
Who is most at risk
WA Health considers anyone born after 1965 who has not had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be not immune. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely to become seriously ill.
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is free in WA for anyone born during or after 1966 who has not had two doses. Two doses give excellent protection, according to the department, and people unsure of their status can check their immunisation history through Medicare or ask their GP.
Why it matters now
The alert lands as Perth heads into the busiest travel season of the year. Dr Armstrong said measles was still circulating in many countries overseas and urged anyone travelling over the festive season to check their vaccinations before they go.
The Joondalup exposure is the one to watch for longest. Anyone in the emergency department during that hour on 26 October should keep watching for symptoms until 11 November.
Read the WA Health media release and the full exposure list, which the department will update if more sites are found.
Photo: Joondalup Health Campus emergency department, file photo, by Jim Owens via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).
Comments