Anne Arundel County schools are seeing an uptick in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, with many being reported in elementary schools, Superintendent Mark Bedell said Tuesday.

HFMD is common among young children, and while it is usually not considered serious, it is very contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HFMD in Anne Arundel County schools

According to Bedell, the exact number of HFMD cases is unclear, as it is not required that they be reported to the district. The district does, however, track outbreaks – when three or more cases are reported within a week.

Bedell said since the beginning of August, the district recorded 26 outbreaks in public schools, private schools and day care centers.

Across Maryland, 34 HFMD outbreaks have

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