Dengue infections rose by nearly a third from the week before, with 1,420 cases reported.

According to the World Health Organization, global dengue infections have risen rapidly in recent decades, with about half of the world's population now at risk.

Authorities have formed teams to check households for water logging, and fumigate areas at risk, and have also released thousands of Gambusia, or mosquitofish, into water bodies to eat the mosquito larvae.

The cyclical nature of dengue fever means a more serious outbreak is expected within the next two or three years.

12,188 dengue cases and eight fatalities were recorded from January to June 12 compared to 45,584 cases and 84 fatalities in the same period last year.

Experts say the method has 'exciting potential' for other diseases such as Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya.