Western Australia in statewide alert after new measles case confirmed

The health department in Western Australia (WA) has sent out statewide measles warning after a returned traveler from Bali was identified as a confirmed case.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the person got infected when traveling overseas and has spent time in the Perth and Midwest regions while remaining contagious.

WA Health’s Acting Director of Communicable Diseases Jelena Maticevic said the staffs were contacting people who were exposed.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and anyone who has had a potential exposure to measles and who develops symptoms of measles should see a doctor,’’ said Maticevic.

WA Health treated every measles case as a potential public health emergency given the risk of local spread and the potentially severe nature of the disease.

Data from the department showed that around 30 per cent of cases can require hospital admission, with about one person in every 1,000 likely to develop encephalitis and inflammation of the brain.

“Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral illness spread by tiny droplets released when infected people cough and sneeze,’’ Maticevic warned.

So far this year, the state has reported two confirmed cases including this one.