Western Australia’s health authorities have issued a measles warning after confirming two additional cases linked to recent travel to Bali, bringing the state’s total for 2025 to 35 – almost six times the number recorded in all of 2024.
WA Health is urging residents, especially those planning overseas travel, to ensure their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date, with at least two weeks recommended before departure. The recent cases highlight an ongoing risk of importing measles from countries experiencing outbreaks,especially popular holiday destinations like South-East Asia.
“There is an ongoing risk of measles being brought into WA from overseas, especially from popular holiday destinations such as South-East Asia,” said Clare Huppatz from WA Health. “We are lucky to have the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine which is extremely effective adn free to all Western Australians.”
WA Health has expanded its state-funded immunisation programme to include MMR vaccinations for infants aged between six and 11 months travelling to high-risk countries.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The MMR vaccine provides effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
