Measles warning for Bali travellers

People who have made a recent trip to Bali are being warned to watch out for measles symptoms after two adults who work in the Pilbara were diagnosed with the disease earlier this month.

Both cases had a history of recent travel to Bali.

WA Country Health Services Pilbara public health physician Heather Lyttle said two adults who worked fly-in, fly-out rosters were diagnosed with measles two weeks ago.

"The work sites have been informed and contacts advised," she said. "Information was given to the contacts that if they became unwell to stay isolated and seek medical attention if required. Vaccination was offered and given to those who may not have immunity to measles."

Dr Lyttle said information about the measles alert was displayed at Port Hedland Airport two weekends ago and all incoming passengers from Bali were provided with fact sheets about the disease.

Department of Health director of communicable disease control Paul Armstrong urged travellers returning from Bali and those in contact with them to be alert for symptoms.

Dr Armstrong said a large number of people were potentially exposed to infection at several locations in Perth, including general practice surgeries where the infected cases were seen, pathology collection centres and emergency departments at Royal Perth, Sir Charles Gairdner and Armadale-Kelmscott hospitals.

One case involved an individual who was infectious while working on Barrow Island off the coast of the State's north.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread by airborne respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, inflamed eyes and cough, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash. The disease is contagious for up to five days before the development of the rash and for four days after it starts.

Dr Armstrong said individuals who had returned from Bali or think they might have been exposed and who develop symptoms of measles should stay away from others and consult their doctor promptly.

"The patient should mention their possible contact with measles when they call so they can be isolated when they arrive at the surgery and prevent the spread of measles to other patients," he said.

"A person is considered immune to measles if they have received two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine or were born before 1966."