To Brazil, where the death toll from a dengue outbreak in the eastern state of Rio de Janeiro has hit a record high and is likely to rise.

The State Health Department has said 93 deaths have been reported from the disease this year, two more than than the previous epidemic in 2002.

The toll may climb because another 100 possible dengue fatalities not been confirmed.

Professor Roberto Medronho is a researcher at Rio de Janeiro's Federal University Health Research Centre.

"We have beaten a very sad record (this week). The number of obituaries has surpassed those registered during the last epidemic in 2002. This confirms that we are witnessing Brazil's most serious dengue epidemic."

He also noted that the situation could worsen as the epidemic is now spreading in the north east, which is the poorest region in Brazil.

Brazilian authorities announced this week they were looking to develop a vaccine against the disease.