Dengue epidemic in the Philippines

Health officials in the Philippines have announced that weather conditions have triggered a dengue fever epidemic.

Dr Rodelin Agbulos, a city health officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer: "The number of cases this year has reached beyond the epidemic level recorded in 2005 and 2007.

"The first quarter saw the highest number we have recorded."

Filipino health officials have announced that a total of 642 people have been infected with the disease during the first three months of the year. Dr Agbulos said that this was alarming because the figures show an increase of more than 400 percent compared to 2005 data.

He spoke of his concerns because the rise in figures occurred "despite continuous efforts being done to address the problem".

Dengue is transmitted by mosquito's and symptoms include high fever, muscle and joint pain and a rash.

The World Health Organisation claims that there is no specific antiviral medicine for dengue and current treatments available mainly increase hydration levels.

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