MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DoH) has recorded a 40% jump in dengue cases in the 1st 6 months of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

Based on available data, DoH said 25,283 cases have been recorded between January 1 and June 26 this year.

Around 11.6% of the cases have been reported in region 8, particularly in Samar, Biliran and Leyte.

Of the total number, 190 have died from the acute infectious disease.

Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona blames the increase in number to climate change. Dengue has become an all-year-round disease, he said.

He believes the hot summer months could have also contributed to the numbers. People usually store water to prepare for the dry months.

Dengue usually manifests first in a fever. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes aegypti, a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires and other containers.