Pilbara measles outbreak: WA Health still searching for patient zero, testing sites remain open

Health officials are still searching for the source of the measles outbreak in the Pilbara as cases continue to persist in the community.

A new case was reported on Thursday, bringing the region’s latest case count to eight as contact tracers scrambled to identify patient zero.

Hedland Health Campus remains a significant exposure area, with three new time periods added to the public health alert.

WA Health is urging residents and travelers to be alert for symptoms of measles “following confirmation of community transmission in the Hedland and Karratha areas.”

“A large number of measles cases with no known source have been identified, indicating that there are unidentified cases in the community,” he said in his latest health alert.

“This is probably due to travelers returning from abroad.”

This means further cases are likely and the risk of measles remains in the community, the ministry said.

While the health department is urging anyone with symptoms to get tested for the highly contagious virus, testing sites in the area remain open.

Measles testing is available at Hedland Health Campus, Karratha Health Campus, Roebourne Hospital, Onslow Health Service and Newman Health Service. Citizens are advised to call and wear a mask before arriving.

“Pilbara residents and travelers to the region should monitor for symptoms of measles and seek testing immediately if symptoms develop,” said Paul Armstrong, director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate.

“They should isolate until they get results.”

Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

To date in 2025, 47 cases of measles have been confirmed in Western Australia.

For the latest display site updates, visit: online public health alert.

New promotional sites:

• Monday 06/10/2025, 18:30 – 18:50, ED Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Road, South Hedland
• Monday 06/10/2025, 07:30 – 10:30, ED Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Road, South Hedland
• Saturday 04/10/2025, 12:00 – 13:00, General ward and common entrance, Hedland Health Campus, Colebatch Road, South Hedland
• Wednesday 01/10/2025, 12:00 – 13:00, Coles, South Hedland Shopping Centre, Colebatch Way & Rason Ct, South Hedland

health direct 1800 022 222