Armadale Hospital revealed as measles exposure site after WA child hospitalised with virus

Health authorities have been left baffled after a child admitted to hospital with the measles was not linked to a case reported earlier in the week.

WA Health said the new case was in a young child who had no known link to the case involving a returned overseas traveller, reported on Wednesday. The child’s case was also not linked to any overseas travel.

It raises major concerns for health authorities, as a locally acquired case with no known source suggests possible undetected transmission of the highly contagious virus in the community.

There is so far just one new exposure site at Armadale Hospital’s emergency department.

Anyone who attended the hospital’s ED on Wednesday between 10.40am and 1.05pm should monitor for symptoms up to 18 days post-exposure.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash.

The blotchy rash usually starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. It can last up to a week.

Communicable Disease Control director Paul Armstrong said measles is highly infectious and can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable groups like young children.

“Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and people can be infectious before they develop symptoms,” Dr Armstrong said.

“Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.”

Dr Armstrong urged parents and carers to stay alert to symptoms in babies and other young children.

Measles-containing vaccines can protect from the virus, and health authorities are reminding people to check their jab status to ensure they have had two doses.

People born before 1966 and who are vaccinated are considered immune to measles.

There have been six cases of measles in WA so far this year, after a record 2025 season with more than 60 infections.

For more information visit the public health alert online.

Exposure sites:

• Armadale Hospital Emergency Department: Wednesday 28 October, 10.40am to 1.05pm.
• Joondalup Health Campus Emergency Department: Monday October 26, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
• Taylor Road IGA 24 hours, Nedlands: Tuesday October 20, 9.00pm to 9.45pm
• Mirrabooka Square: Tuesday October 20, 5.50pm to 6.40pm