Gladstone News
Cairns and Tablelands childcare centres affected
An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease is spreading across north Queensland, with at least 15 childcare centres on high alert.
Health authorities have warned parents to be on alert for the viral infection, which has seen 60 people present at Cairns hospital‘s emergency department since the start of the year.
Of the 60 hospital presentations, nine people had to be admitted.
Officials also warned the 15 childcare centres affected by the outbreak were located throughout the Cairns and Tablelands regions since early January.
The disease is typically mild and occurs mainly in young children, but it could also affect older children and adults.
Symptoms of the disease include rash or blisters on the hands and feet, as well as in or around…