Health authorities in Western Australia have issued a public alert following confirmation of a new measles case in a traveller who returned from Bali over the weekend.
Flight and Airport Exposure Sites Identified
The infected individual was onboard Jetstar flight JQ11, which departed Denpasar and arrived in Perth on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The flight operated between 10am and 2pm.
In addition to the flight, a specific area of Perth International Airport has been listed as a potential exposure site. Anyone present in Terminal 1 between 1:30pm and 3:30pm on that same Saturday is considered at potential risk.
Monitoring for Symptoms is Crucial
WA Health is urging people who were at these locations to monitor themselves closely for signs of illness. The monitoring period is critical, as symptoms can appear anywhere from seven to 18 days after exposure.
Measles symptoms typically begin with a fever, fatigue, a runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a cough. A distinctive large red rash usually develops several days after these initial symptoms.
A Serious and Highly Contagious Virus
Measles is not a mild childhood illness; it is a highly infectious viral disease spread through airborne droplets. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
This latest case brings the total number of measles infections reported in Western Australia for 2025 to 59, highlighting the ongoing public health risk.
Vaccination Offers the Best Protection
The most effective defence against measles is vaccination. In Western Australia, measles vaccinations are free for anyone born after 1965 who has not already received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Health officials strongly encourage individuals to check their vaccination status, especially if they are planning international travel to regions where measles is more common.
For the most current and detailed information, the public is advised to visit the official HealthyWA website.
