Health officials in Western Australia have issued an urgent public health alert after a case of measles was confirmed on a flight returning from Bali to Perth.
Flight Details and Exposure Sites
The Western Australian Department of Health was notified on Tuesday about a passenger diagnosed with measles who travelled on Jetstar flight JQ111 from Denpasar to Perth on December 20.
Anyone who was on that flight, or who was in the Perth International Airport terminal between 1:40 pm and 3:15 pm on that same day, is now considered a potential contact and must monitor for symptoms.
The department advises that symptoms can appear for up to 18 days after exposure, making vigilance crucial for those who may have been in the affected areas.
Recognising Measles Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Initial symptoms are similar to a severe cold or flu and include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore, red eyes
A distinctive red, blotchy rash typically develops three to four days after the first symptoms appear. This rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body and can last between four and seven days.
"People with measles usually feel very unwell and some may end up in hospital," the health department stated, highlighting the potential seriousness of the infection.
Who is Most at Risk and What to Do
Complications from measles can be severe and include pneumonia and, in rarer cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Those at greatest risk of severe illness include immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant women.
Authorities stress that even vaccinated people can contract measles, though the infection is generally milder and shorter in duration for them.
If you develop symptoms, you must:
- Immediately isolate yourself.
- Wear a face mask.
- Contact a medical clinic or GP by phone before arriving for instructions. This allows the clinic to prepare and prevent the virus from spreading to other patients and staff.
It is important to remember that infected individuals are contagious from one day before their symptoms start until four days after their rash appears.
This latest case marks the 59th recorded measles infection in Western Australia for 2025, underscoring how easily the disease spreads through airborne droplets in close quarters.
