Measles risk in Victoria
by Ms Brooke Jones, School Nurse
Box Hill High School
Dear families,
We want to let you know there is currently an increased risk of measles in Victoria, especially in metropolitan Melbourne. There have been cases of local transmission, including among people who have not recently travelled or visited known exposure sites.
Why this matters
Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. While many people recover, measles can sometimes lead to serious complications.
Symptoms to look out for:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or sore eyes
Feeling unwell
A red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body.
Symptoms can appear 7–18 days after exposure. People are infectious before they even realise they are unwell.
Vaccination is key
The best protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine are needed for full protection. Some people may not have had both doses, particularly those born before 1992.
We encourage everyone to:
Check their vaccination records
Make sure children are up to date
Speak to a GP if unsure.
The MMR vaccine is free for eligible Victorians.
If you may have been exposed
Health authorities are regularly updating public exposure sites. If you or your child has been to one of these locations:
Watch for symptoms for up to 18 days
Seek medical advice if symptoms develop
Call ahead before visiting a doctor and wear a mask.
Travel reminder
If you are planning overseas travel, make sure vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before leaving. Infants aged 6–11 months can receive an early dose before travel.
A quick reminder
Please keep children at home if they are unwell and let the school know if your child is diagnosed with measles.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Brooke Jones, School Nurse, at the school's General Office.
Thank you for helping keep our school community safe.