Measles outbreak: Perth’s Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre named an exposure site as more cases identified

The number of measles cases in Western Australia has risen to 10, with Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre listed as one of 12 new exposure sites.

Authorities are still searching for patient zero of the current cluster, which has now crossed into double digits of cases, and are urging residents to be mindful of symptoms.

Out of the five new cases notified over the weekend three were prisoners and two were exposed at Bunbury Regional Hospital.

The Department of Health identified 12 new exposure sites across the State, including Bilgoman Aquatic Centre in Perth’s Hills and shopping stores in Bunbury.

People who have visited any of the sites are urged to monitor for symptoms, which can show anywhere from seven to 18 days after exposure.

The first symptoms of measles include a fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, usually lasting for a few days before a red blotchy rash appears.

The rash typically begins on the face for one or two days and spreads to the body, lasting four to seven days.

Up to one-third of those infected with measles experience a complication and may need to be hospitalised.

Complications include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and in rare cases, swelling of the brain.

WA Health’s Communicable Disease Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said on Friday vaccinations were the best way to combat measles.

“We know that measles is an extremely infectious disease, it’s the most infectious of all that we know,” he said.

“And the best way to manage widespread outbreaks is to have very high levels of immunisation.”

Anyone born after 1965 is urged to ensure they have received two doses of a measles vaccine.

NEW EXPOSURE SITES:

• 23/03/2025, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, Kmart, Eaton Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Recreation Dr, Eaton
• 23/03/2025, 3:30pm – 4:15pm, Terry White Chemist, Eaton Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Recreation Dr, Eaton
• 23/03/2025, 4:00pm – 4:45pm, Kmart, Parks Centre Hamersley Drive, South Bunbury
• 23/03/2025, 4:30pm – 5:15pm, Big W Sandridge, Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre, Sandridge Rd, Bunbury
• 25/03/2025, – 26/03/2025 6:30pm – 5:00am, Bunbury Regional Hospital, Emergency Department, Robertson Drive, Corner of Bussell Highway & Robertson Drive
• 26/03/2025, – 28/03/2025 4:30am – 9:15pm, Bunbury Regional Hospital, Paediatric Ward, Robertson Drive, Corner of Bussell Highway & Robertson Drive
• 26/03/2025, 4:00pm – 4:35pm, Vibe Service Station, Corner of Blair St and Strickland Street, Bunbury
• 26/03/2025, 4:30pm – 5:15pm, Coles, 22 Hamersley Drive, South Bunbury
• 27/03/2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Bilgoman Aquatic Centre, Great Eastern Highway, Darlington
• 27/03/2025, 1:15pm – 2:15pm, Zanthorrea Plant Nursery, 155 Watsonia Rd, Maida Vale
• 27/03/2025, 6:30pm – 10:00pm, Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre, 1382 Albany Highway, Cannington
• 28/03/2025, 11:45am – 12:45pm, Southside Pool Centre, Shop 2, 712 Ranford Rd, Southern River