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 grants India six-month sanctions waiver to run Iran's Chabahar port
Trump cuts China tariffs to 47% after 'amazing' Xi meeting
Israel carries out new strikes in Gaza after asserting commitment to ceasefire
French police make more arrests in Louvre heist investigation
Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to restart peace talks in Istanbul, sources say
More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza
Indonesia probes more free meal poisoning cases, after 700 students fall ill
At least 121 killed after Brazil's deadliest operation against drug gangs
