RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s second-most populous state has declared an 180-day state of emergency after eight people died of yellow fever.

Minas Gerais Gov. Fernando Pimentel announced the decision on Friday, Jan. 13, giving him more leeway to manage resources to battle the outbreak in the state’s northeastern region. Pimentel said there are more than 150 cities in the region where the state of emergency will be valid but only 21 of them have suspected cases of yellow fever.

So far, there are 48 suspected yellow fever cases in Minas Gerais and laboratories have confirmed eight deaths caused by the disease.

Several cities in the northeast part of Minas Gerais declared a state of emergency earlier this week. Minas Gerais also is experiencing a severe financial crisis that has affected investment in basic services.

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