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Six of WA’s most recent cases were detected in the Pilbara region, with new exposure sites identified in suburbs around Port Headland and Karratha between September 20 and 29.

The Department of Health advised residents and travellers to check the exposure locations on health.wa.gov.au and watch for symptoms if they attended the spot at the listed dates and times.

Communicable Disease Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said measles typically developed around 10 days after being exposed to the virus, but this could vary from seven to 18 days.

“Measles is highly infectious and can spread via airborne droplets to people close by, for example, in waiting rooms,” he said.

“Droplets in the air may still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left it.”

A Health Department spokesman said early symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a florid red non-itchy rash three or four days later.

“The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body,” a spokesman said.

“Anyone experiencing measles symptoms should be tested immediately, particularly residents and travellers in the Pilbara.

“People with measles are infectious for several days before and after the onset of the rash.”

Authorities warned several countries around the world were experiencing measles outbreaks and people travelling to those countries were at risk if they did not have immunity to the virus.

Authorities urged anyone concerned they or a family member may have measles to seek medical advice by contacting Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or their GP or emergency department before attending.

Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles, even if they are not eligible for Medicare.