Measles Returns to Western Australia

The Government of Western Australia (WA) recently confirmed a case of measles was identified in a returned overseas traveler.

According to the Department of Health, on April 20, 2023, this was the first measles case reported in WA in more than three years.

And if you attended the exposure sites during the listed dates, you may have been exposed to this very transmissible virus and should monitor for symptoms.

People with measles typically develop symptoms around ten days after exposure, and rashes usually appear four to five days after symptoms start showing.

Globally, measles cases increased by about 80% last year compared with 2021, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC's top ten global measles outbreak list is led by India.

To alert international travelers of their measles risk, the CDC reissued its Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions notice on April 6, 2023.

Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to ensure you are protected, says the CDC. 

For travelers 12 months or older, two doses at least 28 days apart are recommended.

In the U.S., measles vaccines are offered at health clinics and pharmacies in cities such as Austin, Houston, and Lubbock, Texas.