Measles epidemic fears

LOW immunisation rates across the Tweed have made it a prime target for the spread of measles, mumps and rubella.

Director of Public Health for NSW North Coast Paul Corbin said out of the 15 cases of measles the North Coast has seen in the past year 14 had been on the Tweed.

NSW Health is also urging people to ensure their immunisations are up to date following a spike in the number of measles cases in NSW with 66 cases this year alone compared with just 26 last year.

"Prior to the cases of measles we saw last year we had not had a confirmed case here since 2006," Mr Corbin said.

"There have been three cases this year linked to an unvaccinated traveller form overseas.

"Measles is a particularly contagious disease and can easily be spread from one person to another, particularly on the North Coast and in the Tweed region where there are very low vaccination rates."

Mr Corbin said people who chose not to get vaccinated were also not immunising themselves against mumps and rubella, which could each pose serious health risks.

"In the Lismore area there have been two laboratory confirmed cases of mumps in men in their early 20s and one case where we are still waiting for the results," Mr Corbin said.

"This disease can have serious consequences and for men who contact it after puberty it can affect their fertility.

"It is so important that people are vaccinated not just for there safety but for the safety of people around them."