TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 6 -- Confirmed cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have prompted a major school in this city to suspend in-person classes for one week, affecting activities of over 12,000 students.

In a statement on Monday, the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) said the school has shifted all its classes to online and asynchronous modes from Oct. 6 to 10, to allow the disinfection process.

The state-run university with a population of 12,400 this academic year has begun thorough disinfection of classrooms, offices, laboratories, restrooms, and other shared areas following five confirmed cases of HFMD on its main campus in this city.

"This cleaning effort aims to prevent further transmission and ensure a safe environ...