The Hamilton County Health Department is reporting an uptick in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease as children settle into the new school year.

The viral infection typically causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a skin rash. Stephen Miller, Health Officer with the Hamilton County Health Department, says the illness is especially common this time of year.

"It's a very common virus that children experience this time of year, usually when they're starting their school year," Miller explained.

The illness is most often seen in children around kindergarten through second grade. Miller says it can spread quickly through classrooms.

"It can spread through a classroom and infect the entire classroom within just a few days," he said.

The virus spreads through coughs, sneezes, and by touchi

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