The Department of Health says it does not track cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, and is unable to comment on rates of the contagious illness in the community.

The disease, known by the acronym HFM, is typically spread though contact with saliva and mucus, and often spreads easily though childcare centres.

Symptoms include sores in the mouth and throat, a skin rash that can eventually turn into bumps or blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks, fever, and loss of appetite.

VOCM News has heard of daycares in the metro region with high numbers of children with the disease.

Government states HFM is not a notifiable disease, meaning health care providers do not have to report it when a case is confirmed.

It says it is “not unusual” to see outbreaks this time of year, with some years being worse than others.