The World Health Organization says it is sending experts to help the Philippines determine the best steps to take in dealing with an apparent outbreak of a deadly meningitis-like disease.
Nineteen people have died of suspected meningococcemia since the beginning of last year. Twenty-five people are suspected of having the bacterial disease, which is spread through close personal contact.
WHO's representative in the Philippines, Jean-Marc Olive, says the experts will try to confirm what bacteria is causing the illness and recommend appropriate countermeasures.
Meningococcemia is endemic in the Philippines and much of Asia, but rarely results in large outbreaks.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP.