A health alert has been issued in Western Australia, as the region confirms its inaugural measles case for the year 2026. This alarming situation arose from a traveler returning from Bali, prompting health officials to take immediate action.
On Thursday, WA Health made this announcement, which included a list of five specific locations in Perth where members of the public may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Individuals who were present at the South Street Pharmacy in Murdoch between 8:40 AM and 9:15 AM on Monday, January 19, are being advised to keep a vigilant watch for symptoms for up to 18 days following their potential exposure.
The other identified exposure sites include Woolworths in Coolbellup from 7:05 PM to 7:40 PM on Friday, January 16; Bunnings in O’Connor from 7:10 AM to 7:50 AM on the same day; Melville Toyota during two separate time slots on Thursday, January 15—once from 7:50 AM to 8:30 AM and again from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM; and Wembley Golf Club on Wednesday, January 14, between 11:15 AM and 11:50 AM.
Thus far in 2026, only one case of measles has been recorded in Western Australia, especially notable when compared to the 63 cases documented throughout the entirety of 2025.
Symptoms of measles typically manifest around ten days post-exposure, although they can appear anywhere from seven to 18 days later. The measles virus is notorious for its high level of contagiousness and can spread through airborne droplets, which may remain suspended in the air for up to 30 minutes after an infected individual has vacated a space.
Initial signs of the infection usually include fever, fatigue, a runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, followed in a few days by the emergence of a distinctive red rash.
Health officials are strongly recommending that Australians ensure their vaccinations are current, particularly before embarking on international travel.
For more detailed information regarding the situation, you can visit HealthyWA at https://www.health.wa.gov.au/News/2026/Measles-alert.
