MANILA, Philippines – The number of reported dengue cases in the Philippines climbs to 78,808, based on the latest report from the Department of Health (DOH) covering the period of January 1 to September 5.

This is a jump of more than 23,000 cases from the last DOH report in September, which showed there were 55,079 suspected cases during the period of January 1 to August 8.

The latest figure of 78,808 is 16.5% higher than the 67,637 reported cases from January 1 to September 5, 2014.

Despite the higher number of cases, DOH recorded 233 deaths from January to September – lower than 2014’s 297 deaths.

Source: DOH Epidemiology Bureau

Most of the cases come from Calabarzon (15.1%), Central Luzon (15%), National Capital Region (10.3%), Ilocos Region (8.2%), and Northern Mindanao (7.4%).

Dengue, a disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world, is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito. Dengue fever is potentially fatal and mainly affects children. (READ: What are the common rainy season diseases?)

The Philippines is one of 4 countries in the Western Pacific which reported the highest dengue incidence in recent years. (READ: PH spends less than P1B to fight neglected tropical diseases)

The country is pinning its hopes on a dengue vaccine tested here and in 4 other Asian countries after it showed promising overall efficacy. The health department hopes the vaccine will be registered soon so it can be given at least on a pilot basis by 2016. – Rappler.com