Pilbara measles outbreak warning - community urged to remain vigilant
The following media release has been issued by the Department of Health.
WA Health is urging Pilbara residents and travellers to the region to be alert for symptoms of measles following confirmed community transmission in the Hedland and Karratha areas. Several measles cases have been identified with no known source, indicating there have been unidentified cases in the community. This has likely been introduced from travellers returning from overseas. These developments indicate there is an ongoing risk of measles in the community, and further cases are likely. There have been 47 cases of measles identified in WA in 2025 year to date, of which eight cases have recently been identified in the Hedland and Karratha areas in the Pilbara. This is in addition to measles cases associated with the Newman area during August and September. WA Health has updated its measles alert to include new exposure locations associated with recent cases. Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Paul Armstrong encouraged everyone in the Pilbara region to check their immunity and get vaccinated for measles. “The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine program has been expanded in the Pilbara to help protect the community,” he said. Vaccinations will be available at no cost from community health clinics, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and participating pharmacies. Visit the measles vaccine page for further information, including clinic opening hours. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should check with their GP, my health app or immunisation provider. People can receive another measles vaccine dose if they are uncertain if they have already had two doses. “Pilbara residents and travellers to the area should monitor for symptoms of measles and get tested immediately if symptoms develop,” Dr Armstrong said. “They should isolate until they receive a result.” Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. People with measles are infectious for several days before and after the onset of the rash. Testing for measles is available at the following locations, please call ahead before attending and wear a mask: For more information about measles and exposure locations, visit: HealthyWA.