PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are up this year compared to last year in the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

VDH reported that specifically, there's been an increase in emergency departments and urgent care visits for hand, foot and mouth disease across the state this year compared to last.

"It gets that name, hand, foot and mouth because there's a characteristic rash that comes with it, usually looks like little bumps or blisters, and you can get those on your hands, feet or mouth,” said Dr. Caitlin Pedati, director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health.

She said that HFMD is a common viral illness that usually peaks at the end of summer and beginning of fall.

But this year, the number of outbreak investigations

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