Disease outbreak not to be confused with animal version

An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Northland should not be confused with the animal foot and mouth disease that can devastate meat exports, say health officials.

Hand, foot and mouth disease was a relatively mild illness in most people but could cause problems for pregnant women, said Northland medical officer of health Dr Jonathan Jarman.

He said the disease was an infectious illness caused by enteroviruses, which were found in the intestine. Many cases had been reported in Northland, mostly apparently around Whangarei.