Statement on the recent measles outbreak in the Pilbara, WA

Please attribute to: Milena Dalton, Deputy Head, International Development; Co-Head, Immunisation and Health Systems Strengthening, Burnet Institute.

“Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known and even a single case can rapidly lead to an outbreak in under-immunised communities. This isn’t just about measles. Globally, we’re seeing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases that pose a serious public health threat.

“The measles outbreak in Western Australia’s Pilbara region is a timely reminder that vaccination remains our strongest defence against highly contagious diseases.

“Australia’s national measles vaccination rate has now dropped below the herd-immunity threshold of 95%. When coverage falls below this level, we lose the protective buffer that prevents outbreaks, leaving vulnerable and unvaccinated people, including infants and the immunocompromised, at serious risk.

“With rising global travel and more outbreaks emerging worldwide, we are likely to see an increase in measles cases here in Australia. Now is the time to check your vaccination status, protect yourself and those around you and help prevent further outbreaks.”

Background information

Many Australians believe they were vaccinated as children, but practice changed in the 1990s. Adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccine should speak with their pharmacist or GP about getting a booster to ensure full protection.