Asia-Pacific

Dengue-hit northern Philippine towns under state of calamity

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-09-09 16:50

Three towns in northern Philippine province of Rizal have been placed under a state of calamity because of the rising number of dengue cases, Manila media reported on Saturday.

The provincial health office on Friday declared a dengue outbreak in Barangay(village) Maybangkal after the village reported 30 cases, according to a report by ANC TV.

"That's better because if there's an outbreak or a state of calamity declaration, more funds will be released," Aser Ram of the provincial health office said.

Health officials said two people have died of the disease in the province. They have also recorded 25 new cases on Friday.

Department of Health said that from January to September this year, dengue cases hit 727 nationwide, with 30 of the victims succumbing to the killer disease.