MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine health department has noted a sharp rise of measles cases in Metro Manila, prompting health authorities to declare on Wednesday measles outbreak in the Philippine capital.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque officially declared an outbreak in Metro Manila, also called the National Capital Region (NCR), after the number of measles cases continue to rise.

Measles cases in the NCR rose by 550 percent from Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, 2019 compared to the same period last year, he added.

As of Feb. 2, Health Undersecretary Enrico Domingo said at least 861 suspected cases of measles have been reported all over Metro Manila.

Many of the cases were recorded in the cities of Quezon, Manila, Caloocan, Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Paranaque, Taguig, Pasay and Malabon, Domingo said.

Measles, locally known as "tigdas," is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons.