Melbourne is in the midst of a measles outbreak, with 15 confirmed cases.
While the majority - 13 - of these cases have been adults, two were students from the same primary school which then introduced a one-week ban for its unvaccinated students.
Melbourne’s Princess Hill primary school barred 21 un-vaccinated children from class as a safety precaution on Tuesday.
A spokesperson from the Health Department told SBS it was “not uncommon” for children to be asked to stay away from school if they’re not fully immunised when outbreaks occur.
“Some pupils with compromised immune systems, because of pre-existing conditions are also advised to stay at home,” the spokesperson said.
“Current indications are it should be safe for all pupils to return [to Princess Hill Primary] on March 1.”
The signs to look out for include common-cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, red eyes and a cough.
“The characteristic measles rash usually begins three to seven days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body,” the spokesperson said.
“Anyone developing these symptoms is advised to ring ahead to their doctor or hospital and alert them that they have fever and a rash.
“If you know you have been in contact with a measles case please alert your GP or hospital emergency department. The doctor or hospital will then be able to provide treatment in a way that minimises transmission.”
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