MANILA, Philippines — Dengue prevalence in the country soared to 300,000 as cases in 12 regions exceeded the epidemic threshold, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.

A total of 307,704 dengue patients were admitted in different hospitals nationwide from Jan. 1 to Sept. 14, based on the DOH dengue surveillance report.

The number was higher by 142,783 cases compared to the same period in 2018. Fatalities also went up to 1,247 from 742 last year.

The DOH said dengue cases exceeded the epidemic threshold in the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Socsksargen, National Capital Region and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The DOH added incidence of the mosquito-borne disease in Central Visayas and Davao region has exceeded alert threshold.

Calabarzon accounted for the highest number of dengue cases with 49,661 followed by Western Visayas with 49,068.

The National Capital Region posted the third highest number of dengue cases with 23,251 followed by Central Luzon with 23,046.

The DOH said Western Visayas recorded the highest number of deaths with 214 followed by Calabarzon with 152 and Metro Manila with 122.

Children aged five to nine years were the most affected with a total of 69,549 cases. Males accounted for the bulk of the cases with 161,319.

Last August, the DOH declared a national dengue epidemic amid the increase in the number of cases nationwide.