Measles warning for Bali tourists as two cases recorded

WA Health advises Western Australians planning to travel to Bali to ensure they are protected against measles.

It follows two recent cases of measles diagnosed in New South Wales in travelers returning from Bali.

The acting director of the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, Dr. Paul Effler, said that although measles was rare in Australia, the virus was still circulating widely in many parts of the world, including popular tourist destinations such as Bali.

“Measles is highly infectious, so anyone who is not immune is at risk of becoming infected if exposed,” Dr. Effler said.

“Measles disease can be very serious and often requires hospitalization. Fortunately, it can be prevented through vaccination.

The last measles case in WA was reported in April 2023 in an unvaccinated traveler from India.

Measles symptoms include fever, red and sore eyes, and cough, followed by a prominent red blotchy rash several days later that spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

Anyone arriving from abroad who develops symptoms of measles is advised to call their GP or nearest emergency department ahead of time.

“It is important that people who may have measles do not wait in waiting rooms with other patients,” Effler said.

“Two doses of the measles vaccine provide excellent long-term protection.”

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and is included in the National Immunization Program for children 12 and 18 months of age.

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