MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health on Thursday stepped up its anti-dengue information drive as the surge of dengue cases puts a strain on government resources.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the DOH distributed hundreds of leaflets at the Light Rail Transit system to spread the word about dengue prevention.

Ona said the country recorded 62,503 dengue cases from January to August 31 this year, up 88.8% from last year. The government also recorded 465 deaths compared to 350 during the same period last year.

While cases were reported all over the country, these are concentrated in: Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon); Eastern and Western Visayas; and Northern, Central and Southern Mindanao.

Metro Manila recorded 5,558 cases, lower compared to last year’s figures at 6,561. Most are in Mandaluyong and Marikina.