A WEST Australian has contracted HIV after getting a tattoo in Bali - leading the Health Department to issue an urgent warning to all tourists.

The Health Department issued a warning this afternoon after "all the evidence" pointed to a tattoo received recently in Bali as being the source of the infection of HIV for a West Australian.

Department of Health communicable disease control director Paul Armstrong said getting body art and piercings done overseas, particularly in developing countries, was not recommended.

"While tattooists in Western Australian must comply with strict regulations and a code of practice, tattoo parlours overseas may not meet the same standards," Dr Armstrong said.

"This case demonstrates the very real health risk in having this type of procedure done overseas," he said.

"Western Australians who have had a tattoo done in Bali recently should consult their GP and consider the need for testing for HIV and other blood-borne viruses.

"The equipment used in tattooing and body piercing, if contaminated with infected blood, can pose a risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C as well as bacterial infections."

HIV is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and sexual activity. There is no vaccine or cure.

The Health Department said they would not be providing any information regarding the WA case, such as gender or age.