Measles outbreak declared in Philippines.

Authorities in the Philippines have declared an outbreak of the highly contagious measles virus in the capital, Manila.

At least 861 suspected cases of measles have been reported as of 2 February, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.

Some 50 people – mostly children – are believed to have died from the disease, officials told local media.

Authorities say more than two million unvaccinated children are at risk.

Health secretary Francisco Duque told local media that bronchopneumonia from measles complications can be deadly, and encouraged parents to bring their children for immunisation.

“Parents should not wait for complications to set in because it might be too late,” he said.