WA Health is urging fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles following three reported cases linked to a Pilbara mine site.
The most recent case, recently reported to the Department, travelled from Christmas Creek to Perth on flight QF2919 on 11 September while infectious.
This person then spent several hours at the Virgin Australia Lounge, Terminal 1 Domestic, Perth Airport on 11 September.
Acting Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Jelena Maticevic, has urged all FIFO workers and others travelling to mine sites in regional WA to check their vaccination status.
"Measles is highly infectious and continues to pose a risk to non-immune people working on mine sites in regional WA," Dr Maticevic said.
"I encourage anyone aged between 30 and 60 years, whether travelling to regional WA for work or overseas for a holiday, to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
"See your doctor or pharmacist for a free measles vaccine - if you are unsure whether you were fully vaccinated with two doses in the past and don't have access to your vaccination record, now is a good time to get another dose."
The measles vaccine is free for anyone born after 1965 and provides strong protection against the disease, helping to prevent its spread in the community.
WA Health has updated its measles alert to include new exposure sites, including Perth Airport and affected flights between Christmas Creek, Pilbara and Perth.
Anyone who was at these locations during the listed dates and times should monitor for symptoms.
Early symptoms of measles include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles often feel very unwell.
Anyone concerned they or a loved one may have measles should seek medical advice.
Contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or call ahead to your GP or emergency department before attending, to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
