CHESAPEAKE, Va. — State officials say there has been a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in parts of Virginia this summer. The Fairfax County Health District reports 6 outbreaks this year alone.

This has parents in Hampton Roads wondering if their children are at risk of catching the viral illness. 13News Now took those concerns to experts.

"Yes, there is definitely a rise. People are more aware of it," said Dr. Nancy Welsh, the director of the Chesapeake Health Department.

She said HFMD is not a "reportable" disease, so they don't have concrete data, but she said she's noticed an increase over the past couple of years.

"Daycares and mothers are seeing it more," she said.

A former pediatrician, Welsh said early symptoms often include a fever.

"After one or two days of th

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