WA Health has issued a public health alert following a reported case of locally acquired measles.
The latest case travelled between Perth and Newman and visited several public venues while infectious.
Details of these locations are on the Department of Health website. Anyone who attended these venues during the listed dates and times should stay alert for symptoms.
Dr Paul Armstrong, Director Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, urged the community to be especially vigilant, with more people travelling during the school holidays and evidence of local transmission of measles occurring.
"The latest case had no recent interstate or overseas travel history or known sick contacts, indicating that there have been undetected cases of measles in WA," he said.
"Measles can spread very quickly and anyone who is not immune is at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed."
Symptoms of measles include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a florid red non-itchy rash three or four days later. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles usually feel very unwell.
"Measles often requires hospitalisation and can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases, blindness or death."
Measles typically develops around 10 days after being exposed to the virus, but this can vary from 7 to 18 days.
Although measles is rare in Australia due to vaccination programs, outbreaks are occurring in many overseas countries.
People are encouraged to check their vaccination status to ensure they are fully protected against measles, particularly if they are travelling overseas.
"Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles, and this is a reminder for the public to check they are immune and get vaccinated," Dr Armstrong said.
Anyone who is concerned they (or a loved one) may have measles should seek medical care, including contacting Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
They should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to discuss their situation to prevent the chance of spreading the infection to others.