Metropolitan Perth and South West measles alert

The WA Communicable Disease Control Directorate has advised a case of measles has been identified in a returned overseas traveller.

Health professionals should be alert for measles, particularly among returned overseas travellers – ensure all staff have a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with a febrile rash.

Patients should be especially vigilant if they have or visited any of the exposure locations and are not immune to measles (i.e. are not fully vaccinated against measles and have not had measles previously).

Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles, even if they are not eligible for Medicare. Serology is not required before vaccinating. More information on the state funded adult measles vaccination program is available here.

Read the full alert on the WA Department of Health website.