Local transmission of Measles in the Pilbara sparks expert warning over risk to remote communities

WA’s health experts say measles is not just limited to returning travellers, but is now being transferred among Pilbara locals as the state’s outbreak expands.

The state has now recorded 47 cases of the highly contagious disease but WA Health fears the real number may be higher as the latest case is thought to have caught the disease locally.

All previous cases were in returning travelers or people who may have been linked to returned traveler cases.

The latest six cases were all in the Pilbara, with a rapidly expanding list of exposure sites including the Hedland Health Campus Emergency Department and Coles in South Hedland.

WA Health has urged Pilbara residents and travelers to be alert for signs of measles after transmission of measles was confirmed in the Hedland and Karratha regions.

“A large number of measles cases with no known source have been identified, indicating that there are unidentified cases in the community,” it said in a statement released today.

“This was probably introduced by travelers returning from abroad.

“These developments show that the risk of measles continues in the community and that other cases are likely.

“There have been 47 cases of measles identified in WA since 2025, eight of which were recently detected in the Hedland and Karratha regions of the Pilbara. This is in addition to measles cases associated with the Newman region in August and September.”

Measles is highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, and are typically followed by a red, non-itchy rash that starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

People with measles are contagious for several days before and after the onset of the rash.

Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance chief executive Ashley Councilor has called on all health services, including those in remote Aboriginal communities, to ensure staff are immunized against measles.

“Organizations operating in remote communities, including community councils and remote community service providers, should consider how they can protect communities from the importation of measles,” the Honorable Councilor said.

“Staff should be informed of the high risk of measles being carried to remote communities and the need to consider this risk when traveling to known measles outbreak areas such as Bali.

“On returning from travel to areas with a high risk of measles, staff should monitor for symptoms, get tested for measles and self-isolate until the results are available.”

Dr. from the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate. Paul Armstrong encouraged everyone in the Pilbara region to check their immunity and get vaccinated against measles.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination program has been expanded in the Pilbara to help protect the community,” he said.

Vaccines will be available free of charge from community health clinics, GPs, Aboriginal Health Services and participating pharmacies.

Anyone unsure of their vaccination status should consult their GP, healthcare practice or vaccination provider.

People can get another dose of measles vaccine if they are not sure if they have received two doses of the vaccine before.

“Pilbara residents and travelers to the region should monitor for symptoms of measles and seek testing immediately if symptoms develop,” Dr Armstrong said. “They should isolate until they get results.”

Measles testing is available at the following locations, and residents are asked to call before participating and wear a mask:

• Hedland Health Campus
• Karratha Health Campus
• Roebourne Hospital
• Slow Healthcare
• Newman Healthcare

For more information about measles and exposure locations, visit healthwa.wa.gov.au.