Western Australia (WA) is currently experiencing a measles epidemic, with 35 cases confirmed as of late March 2025. Specifically, this is an appalling increase from the just six cases documented during the entire year of 2024. Health officials are especially worried about the two most recent cases, both of which have been traced to travel to Bali. These trends have led to increased urgent recommendations for vaccination among all individuals traveling abroad, particularly to areas with established outbreaks.
Dr Clare Huppatz from WA Health warned that the risk was increasing with international travel. From July to September, five of the cases that have been traced back to Bali were contracted. Of the 15 cases found during this time, ten were locally acquired. This has raised concerns about possible community transmission.
Vaccination Urged for Travelers
In response to the recent increase, health authorities are now advising travelers with a sense of urgency. If traveling to South-East Asia, including Bali, ensure vaccinations are current. This is why Dr Huppatz is stressing the importance of routine vaccines like the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. She said,
“We are fortunate to have the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine which is extremely effective and free to all Western Australians.”
Travelers should obtain their vaccinations two weeks prior to travel. This will make sure they are sufficiently protected from the virus.
Recent months have brought to sharp focus the need for such a message. A avoidable outbreak connected to travel to Bali has been declared in Far North Queensland. The programming of infrastructure is shocking. Many more people have come back to Perth from Bali with the virus during the same timeframe.
Community Impact and Precautions
Two of the new cases confirmed today in WA had traveled through several areas in Perth while infectious. These are important locations such as major shopping centers and the airport. These exposures increase the risk of transmitting the virus into the local community. In reaction, public health authorities have been alarming the public to stay careful, especially as schools are coming up on holiday seasons.
Dr. Huppatz pointed out that there is an “ongoing risk of measles being brought into WA from overseas, especially from popular holiday destinations such as South-East Asia.” This statement serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures and individual responsibility in curbing the spread of infectious diseases.
In July, two contagious measles patients visited a mine site in the Pilbara region. Consequently, the staff were suddenly pushed into lockdown themselves to protect their safety. These events underscore the impact of why measles transmission matters and the need for large, mass vaccination efforts.
