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.
Nine injured in attack in Taipei, media reports
Putin offers no compromise on Ukraine, says EU 'robbery' failed
Bangladesh rocked by unrest after death of student leader
Suspected gunman in Brown University shooting found dead
Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Poland's Trump-backed president at key moment in war
No evidence alleged Bondi gunmen received military training in Philippines
At least 12 killed in Nigeria mining site attack
Russian attack on Ukraine's central Cherkasy injures six, causes blackouts
