The Philippines' health ministry on Tuesday declared a “national dengue epidemic” following a spike in the number of cases in several parts of the country.
According to the official records, at least 146,000 cases, including 622 deaths, have been recorded from January to July this year.
Health officials explained that an epidemic was declared to allow local governments to use emergency funds to control the mosquito-borne disease.
A spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he is open to lifting the ban on the use of controversial dengue vaccine Dengvaxia to address the epidemic.
US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak Island
Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods
Jordan intercepts eight missiles in airpace
At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus
