Measles Alert Issued for Perth Metro Area with Multiple Exposure Sites Identified
Health authorities in Western Australia have raised a measles alert following the return of an infected traveller from overseas, prompting concerns over potential community spread. WA Health released the warning on Monday afternoon, detailing almost a dozen exposure sites across the Perth metropolitan area, with locations including hospitals, grocery stores, and other public venues.
Key Exposure Sites and Times Listed by Health Officials
The alert highlights several high-traffic locations where individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus. Notably, St John of God Midland Hospital's emergency department was listed twice on the same day, indicating repeated visits by the infected person. Additionally, multiple trips to Woolworths and Kmart stores between March 5 and 11 have been identified as potential exposure points.
People who visited these sites during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms for seven to 18 days. Measles is a highly infectious virus that spreads through airborne droplets, which can remain in the air and infect others for up to half an hour after an infected person has left the area.
Symptoms and Health Risks Associated with Measles
Common symptoms of measles include fever, fatigue, sore eyes, runny nose, and a cough, typically followed by a bright red blotchy rash three or four days later. The rash often starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body and can last for up to a week. This case marks the fifth instance of measles in WA so far this year, following a record season in 2025 with more than 60 infections reported.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. Measles-containing vaccines are highly effective, and individuals are urged to check their immunization status to ensure they have received two doses. Vaccinated people and those born before 1966 are generally considered immune to the virus.
Full List of Exposure Sites and Preventive Measures
The exposure sites listed by WA Health include:
- Friday 13/03/2026, 7:30pm to 8:15pm, St John of God Midland Emergency Department Waiting Room, 1 Clayton St, Midland
- Friday 13/03/2026, 3:30pm to 5:45pm, St John of God Midland Emergency Department Waiting Room, 1 Clayton St, Midland
- Thursday 12/03/2026, 3:15pm to 4:15pm, Nervana Chiropractic, Office 2, Level 1, 649 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley
- Wednesday 11/03/2026, 4:45pm to 5:45pm, Woolworths Ellenbrook, Ellenbrook Central Shopping Centre, 11 Main Street, Ellenbrook
- Monday 09/03/2026, 2:30pm to 3:30pm, Woolworths Ellenbrook, Ellenbrook Central Shopping Centre, 11 Main Street, Ellenbrook
- Sunday 08/03/2026, 1:00pm to 4:30pm, Coventry Village, 243-253 Walter Road West, Morley
- Saturday 07/03/2026, 4:45pm to 5:45pm, Aseda Jeegs Restaurant, 267 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
- Friday 06/03/2026, 2:45pm to 3:45pm, Woolworths Aveley, 331 Millhouse Road, Aveley
- Thursday 05/03/2026, 1:00pm to 1:45pm, Kmart Ellenbrook Central, Ellenbrook Central Shopping Centre, 11 Main Street, Ellenbrook
- Thursday 05/03/2026, 12:00pm to 1:30pm, Woolworths Ellenbrook, Ellenbrook Central Shopping Centre, 11 Main Street, Ellenbrook
For more detailed information and updates, the public is encouraged to refer to the official health alert online. This incident underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive health measures in the community to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
