The Davao City Health Office (CHO) has confirmed that the city has logged 30 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

According to a report by GMA Super Radyo Davao, CHO Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, said that the cases were recorded at a private school in the city.

Those who contracted the disease came from 16 classrooms of the school’s grade school department.

The school has already suspended face-to-face classes to put the sanitary protocols in place and to prevent the spread of HFMD.

HFMD is caused by a virus from the enterovirus family that usually infects children.

Among the symptoms of HFMD include red spots in the mouth, hand, and feet; sore throat; fatigue; and loss of appetite.

In a report by GMA News Online, the virus causing HFMD may be transmitted via person-to-person contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with a contaminated item, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC).

HFMD can be prevented through handwashing, having clean surroundings, disinfection, and avoiding contact with infected persons.