A warning for rural New Zealanders to watch out for a flu-like disease

Rural Women New Zealand and Massey University are raising awareness about a flu-like disease called leptospirosis.

It spreads through contaminated water and animals and can be easily mistaken as Covid-19 or a really bad case of flu.

Almost all the 170 cases last year were of people living in rural areas.

Rural Women National President Gill Naylor says the best way to combat it is through strict hygiene measures.

She says when tending to animals or potentially contaminated water, it's important to wear gloves and to fully cover cuts and abrasion.