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Measles on the rise in WA

While measles has effectively been eradicated in Australia since 2014, thanks to the introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation schedule in the mid-70s, there’s been a resurgence of the disease in recent years.

Already this year, there have been 13 cases of measles reported in WA, and 57 cases Australia-wide.

Vaccination remains the best prevention against the disease, particularly for overseas travellers and others recommended to receive the vaccine, including children 12 months old and adults born from 1966 onwards who haven’t yet had two doses.

In this month’s blog, we look at what’s causing this increase in cases and how vaccines work to prevent the disease.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can easily spread through air-borne droplets. In fact, you can catch it simply from being in the same room as an infected person!

It can also pass on from direct contact with items that have been freshly soiled with the mucous and saliva of someone infected, as the virus can survive on surfaces for up to two hours.

Measles can have serious complications for those infected by the disease, including:

  • middle ear infections;
  • dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting;
  • respiratory infections – such as bronchitis, croup, laryngitis and even pneumonia;
  • pregnancy problems – including a higher risk of miscarriage or premature labour;
  • encephalitis or brain inflammation – which affects roughly one in 1,000 people affected by the disease and can result in death or permanent brain damage; and
  • Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – an extremely rare, progressive inflammation of the brain that causes degeneration. SSPE usually begins around seven years after the measles infection and is fatal.

Signs and symptoms

The first signs and symptoms usually occur around 10 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

  • fever
  • tiredness
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore red eyes

While these symptoms are characteristic of a range of illnesses, those with measles will also experience a red blotchy rash that appears a few days after the initial symptoms. The rash generally starts on the face and spreads to the body and will last for around four to seven days.

Who is at risk?

Anyone of any age can catch measles if they are not immune. One of the highest risk groups is international travellers, particularly those visiting and returning from countries where the disease is still common, including areas of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.

Infants under 12 months are also particularly vulnerable, as they are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Another group at risk of experiencing serious illness with complications from measles is those with weakened immunity.

Measles can also be particularly damaging during pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labour. It is highly recommended that anyone planning a pregnancy ensures they are up-to-date with their measles vaccine prior to becoming pregnant, as measles vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy.

What’s causing the recent increase in cases?

According to Australian Government’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 13 cases have been recorded in WA (up from a total of 6 cases in 2024) and 57 cases (equal to last year’s total) have been reported nationally to date.

The recent rise in measles cases in Australia can be attributed to both the rising number of cases globally combined with reduced vaccination rates here in Australia.

Global case numbers are also rising.

There are a number of countries where measles is still very common and outbreaks are currently being experienced in Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and North America – all popular destinations for Australian tourists.

With this global increase in cases, and international travel back to pre-pandemic levels, it’s no wonder we are seeing an increased number of cases locally.

Preventing measles

Vaccination remains the best prevention against measles, particularly if you are planning on travelling overseas.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends vaccination for specific groups including:

  • children 12 months old;
  • adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly:
    • healthcare workers;
    • childhood educators and carers;
    • people who work in long-term care facilities;
    • people who work in correctional facilities; and
    • travellers.

About the measles vaccine

The measles combination vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps, rubella) is free under the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 months and 18 months.

People who did not receive a measles vaccination in childhood, including those aged under 20 years old, refugees, and other humanitarian entrants, may also be eligible for a free catch-up-vaccination.

MMR is a live vaccine that is 99% effective in protecting against the virus. As it contains a small amount of the live virus, some people may be not be able to receive the vaccine for medical reasons. Make sure you check with your doctor before booking in for your vaccine.

To book in for your vaccine at Illawarra Medical Centre, or to get general travel health and vaccination advice, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

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