Unusual viral outbreak in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama state health officials are investigating several cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, a contagious viral illness which has struck the state more severely than normal this year.

Alabama Department of Health authorities say the virus affects the hands, feet and mouth and usually infects young children.

Tina Pippin, surveillance nurse manager with the health department, said this year it is being seen in teenagers and adults. She said that is unusual.

Pippin tells The Montgomery Advertiser that researchers can't really say why it's active this time of year. It is typically seen in the summer and early fall.

Pippin said that as of last week, the health department had 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in Alabama. There have been no known deaths.