A measles outbreak is spreading across Western Australia, with 47 cases now recorded in the state this year.

The WA Department of Health has issued an urgent warning to residents about the surge in cases since late September, including eight cases in the Pilbara region alone.

Communicable Disease Control Directorate director Dr Paul Armstrong said measles are highly infectious and can be spread from person to person via airborne water droplets.

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

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

A full list of exposure locations was shared by the Health Department, dating back to Sep

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