PHNOM PENH, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Dengue fever has so far this year claimed the lives of 304 people in Cambodia, almost double the number of people who died from the disease in 2006, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry.

    As of July 29, there have been 27,265 cases of dengue in Cambodia and 304 deaths, Ngan Chantha, the Ministry's dengue program manager, was quoted Friday by the Cambodia Daily newspaper's saying.

    The three provinces hardest hit by the outbreak have been Kompong Cham with 4,090 cases and 57 deaths, Kandal with 3,220 cases and 28 deaths, and Siem Reap with 3,619 cases and 29 deaths, Ngan Chantha said.

    Takeo province is the next worst off with 2,935 cases and 33 deaths, and Phnom Penh is fifth on the list with 2,555 cases and 15 deaths, he said.

    "The situation is much better, but we still need more help. Dengue season is not yet finished," Ngan Chantha said.

    In 2006, 158 people died from the mosquito-borne virus, according to official statistics.