Western Australia’s health authorities have raised fresh concerns after two newly confirmed cases of measles were linked to recent travel to Bali, Indonesia. This follows a noticeable rise in measles infections across the state in 2025, with 35 reported cases compared to just six the previous year.
The latest patients, who were infectious while visiting high-traffic areas including Perth Airport and shopping centres, highlight the dangers posed by imported cases of measles. As one of the most contagious airborne diseases, measles can spread rapidly in public spaces, prompting health experts to urge travelers to update their vaccinations before embarking on overseas holidays.
Bali Travel Identified as Source of Imported Cases
Bali continues to be a top destination for Western Australians, particularly during school holidays. However, the popular island has also been identified as a recurring source of imported measles cases. On 27 August 2025, WA Health issued a formal alert following three confirmed cases among returning Bali travelers.
While Australia had successfully eliminated measles in past decades, international travel remains a major factor in reintroducing the virus. Tourists who are not fully immunized face significant risks abroad and may unknowingly transmit measles within their communities upon return.
Vaccination: The First Line of Defense
Dr. Clare Huppatz from WA Health stressed the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is available free of charge across Western Australia. The vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing long-term protection. Health experts recommend that travelers receive their vaccinations at least two weeks prior to departure to ensure immunity is fully developed.
While measles is now rare in Australia, it remains prevalent in many parts of Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For Western Australians planning travel to Bali and other regions with ongoing outbreaks, vaccination is considered essential. Beyond personal protection, immunization reduces the chance of community-wide transmission, safeguarding vulnerable groups such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Expanded Immunization for Infants and Families
In response to the surge in cases, WA Health has expanded its immunization program to cover infants aged six to eleven months who are traveling to high-risk regions. This early vaccination measure ensures that young children, among the most vulnerable to severe measles complications, are protected during international travel.
Families planning overseas trips are being urged to take vaccination advice seriously. Pediatricians and general practitioners are available to provide guidance on the timing of doses and any additional health precautions. With school holidays approaching, the timing of these measures is especially critical to prevent another spike in imported cases.
Recognizing Symptoms After Exposure
Travelers and residents are urged to remain vigilant for measles symptoms, particularly if they have recently returned from Bali or visited public venues in Western Australia where exposure may have occurred.
Key symptoms include:
- High fever
- Runny nose and persistent cough
- Inflamed, watery eyes
- A red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading across the body
Anyone showing these signs should immediately seek medical care and avoid public gatherings. Rapid detection and isolation are essential in stopping further spread, especially in high-traffic locations such as airports, schools, and shopping centres.
International Collaboration to Manage Risk
Health departments worldwide continue to cooperate to monitor measles outbreaks. Western Australia maintains strong ties with global health organizations to share data and issue timely alerts. This cooperation ensures that both inbound and outbound travelers are informed of risks and advised on preventive measures.
Measles outbreaks have recently been documented not only in Southeast Asia but also in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the United States. These cases demonstrate that measles is a global concern, not confined to one region.
Preparing for Safe Travel
With the holiday season approaching, Western Australian families are encouraged to incorporate health planning into their travel checklists. In addition to vaccinations, travelers should carry essential health information, maintain good hygiene, and avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of illness.
Tour operators, airlines, and hotels are also being advised to distribute health information to tourists to help limit the risk of exposure during travel. By fostering awareness, the tourism industry can play an active role in safeguarding both visitors and local communities.
Conclusion: Preventing a Preventable Disease
The rise of measles cases in Western Australia highlights the importance of vaccination as a cornerstone of public health. Though rare within the state, measles remains a serious threat when introduced by international travel.
Tourism between Perth and Bali remains strong, but health officials warn that without proper precautions, imported cases could undo years of progress in disease elimination. By getting vaccinated, staying informed, and practicing responsible travel habits, Western Australians can protect themselves, their families, and their wider community.
As the school holidays draw near, the message is clear: vaccination is not just an individual choice, but a collective responsibility to ensure that preventable diseases like measles do not take hold again in Western Australia.
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