(UTV|COLOMBO) – The Philippines has declared a “national dengue epidemic” after at least 622 people lost their lives from the mosquito-borne disease this year.
At least 146,000 cases were recorded from January to 20 July – a 98% increase on the same period last year – the health department said.
The epidemic was declared so that officials can identify areas in need of emergency attention.
The infection causes flu-like illness, but occasionally becomes more severe.
The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Philippines declared an initial “national dengue alert” in July.
[alert color=”faebcc” icon=”fa-commenting”]Keeping up to date with breaking news while you are on the move is now simple with UTV Alerts [textmarker color=”8a6d3b”]Type REG UTV and send to 77000[/textmarker] on your Dialog, Airtel, or Hutch mobile connection[/alert]
