Measles Alert in Western Australia After Cases Involving BHP, Qantas Workers

Three cases of the virus have now been identified in Western Australia.

A sign outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing, in Seminole, Texas, on Feb. 21, 2025. Julio Cortez/AP Photo

Three individuals in Western Australia have tested positive for measles, including a BHP worker, a Qantas crew member and a returned overseas traveller.

Western Australia Health has issued a list of exposure sites, including multiple Qantas flights, Perth Airport, and Newman Airport.

“Two locally acquired cases of measles and one case of measles in a returned overseas traveller have been identified in WA,” WA Health said in a new update on July 17.

“Measles typically develops around 10 days after being exposed to the virus, but this can vary from 7 to 18 days.”

BHP and Qantas Staff Affected

Workers from both BHP and Qantas are now isolating after testing positive.

A BHP spokesperson confirmed to the Epoch Times that the company was managing a single confirmed case of measles at their Newman Operations.

“The individual has been off-site for the past week, and no additional cases have been identified,” the BHP spokesperson said.

“Our Health and Safety team has implemented precautionary measures for the wellbeing of our workforce and the community. We are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with medical experts and the Department of Health.”

Meanwhile, a Qantas spokesperson told the Epoch Times that one of its crew members contracted measles after a flight in early July.

Symptoms and Risks

WA Health has warned that measles is a highly infectious disease that can spread through airborne droplets, even lingering in a room for up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left.

Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, severe cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose, and white spots in the mouth.

While the most common symptom is a blotchy red rash, this is not generally the first symptom, according to Health Direct.

“On days 3 to 7 of the illness, the rash appears. It’s usually red and blotchy, but not itchy. A measles rash generally starts on your head and then spreads down to the rest of the body. It usually lasts 4 to 7 days,” Health Direct noted.

WA Health said those with measles usually feel very unwell and some may end up in hospital. The complications could include pneumonia and encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

People who are not immune to measles and visited any of the exposure locations should monitor for symptoms for 7 to 18 days after the potential exposure.

Further, WA Health noted individuals at severe risk of measles include those who are immunocompromised, young children, and pregnant women.

“Anyone born after 1965 and who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is at risk of contracting measles. Vaccination status should be confirmed with documented evidence of vaccination or immunity (via a blood test),” the department noted.

WA Health also listed several other exposure sites, including BP Mindarie, Epicurean Restaurant, Crown Perth precinct, Shell Smart Mart Newman, Zambrero Scarborough, Revo Fitness Scarborough, and Coles Scarborough.

What About NSW and Victoria?

In New South Wales, a measles alert was issued on June 30 after a confirmed case returned from Vietnam. The individual visited multiple locations in Sydney while infectious.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,” said Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health Leena Gupta.

In Victoria, the health department issued an alert for measles on June 18, after an infant contracted the virus overseas.

“There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas,” Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong said at the time.