HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT SHARP RISE IN HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Health officials say the country is now on the verge of an epidemic of hand, foot and mouth disease.
The viral infection has risen sharply over the past few weeks, with young children mostly being the ones with symptomatic disease.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Teri-Anne Joseph outlined the figures during an exclusive interview with ABS News and explained what is needed to curtail transmission.
Garfield Burford reports.