Manila  - At least 114 people have died from dengue fever in the Philippines since the start of the year, the health department said Monday.

The death toll through May 3 was up 24 per cent from 90 fatalities during the same period in 2007.

The health department's National Epidemiology Center also recorded a total of 10,841 cases of dengue infections, 35.6 per cent more than last year.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque earlier ordered the department to step up its campaign to combat dengue through clean-up drives in communities especially with the start of the rainy season in June.

He also stressed the need for more "search-and-destroy" operations aimed at clearing breeding grounds of mosquitoes that cause dengue.

In 2007, 407 people died from dengue in the Philippines, while a total of 43,938 cases were reported.

Dengue is an infectious tropical fever causing acute pain in the joints. Symptoms include loss of appetite, general weakness, nausea and vomiting. (dpa)