Western Australia is experiencing a measles outbreak reported at the highest level since 1997. Our home South West region has been the second worst affected, with eleven cases reported. At the same time, the Great Southern region has seen just one, increasing the total to twelve between both regions. In addition to being an exceedingly dramatic uptick, this 1,080% surge has sparked broader public health fears, especially since these instances are tied to travel abroad.
As of October 22, the Department of Health has reported 18 exposure sites in both areas combined. Included in that mapping are major worksites, like the emergency departments at Margaret River Hospital and Albany Health Campus. In addition to residential neighborhoods, there are a number of malls and government buildings around. The last exposure site was reported on November 4, a clear indication that the threat hangs in the air over the island community.
Background on Measles Cases
The increase in measles cases this year is due to several factors, including a failure of vaccination coverage. Western Australia did not see a single measles case in 2021 and 2022. Yet in 2023 and 2024, only about half a dozen cases were reported. State and county health officials say the case load has exploded in just five years from 2021 to 2025.
Jaya Dantas, an international public health expert, explained the significance of these trends.
“In 2021 and 2022, we had no cases; in 2023 and 2024, we had about six cases.” – Jaya Dantas
Dantas went on to reinforce the crucial role vaccination played in helping control the outbreak.
“It’s increased significantly between the years of 2021 and 2025.” – Jaya Dantas
Travel Links and Symptoms
All the reported cases so far have been tied to travelers returning from abroad. This includes travelers depth impacts in their south and southeast Asian countries, especially Indonesia. Symptoms of measles typically start appearing about ten days after exposure. Symptoms typically include a red, raised rash, fever, cough, tiredness, and sore, red eyes.
Health authorities are warning Australians who are planning to travel overseas to make sure they’re up-to-date with their vaccinations. Don’t forget to administer the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure. This timing is intended to help make sure you have the proper protection against the virus.
Vaccinated people need not panic, Dantas warned, but they should continue to be mindful of their health.
“People should be cautious and take precautions, and if they’re vaccinated, I don’t think they should worry about it.” – Jaya Dantas
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
This resurgence in measles cases speaks to a larger narrative of growing vaccine misinformation and fatigue. As an example, Dantas said that the public is more confused than ever about vaccines and their potential side effects. This uncertainty has caused an increase in vaccine hesitancy.
“Throughout the world, there has been vaccine misinformation, vaccine fatigue, lack of understanding of vaccines, and also a lack of understanding of side effects of vaccines.” – Jaya Dantas
It’s examples like this that highlight the importance of targeted public health campaigns to inform communities about the benefits of vaccination. Public health experts want everyone to understand that though measles can be dangerous, it is a risk that is easily avoided by getting vaccinated.
