TACLOBAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) office in the region revealed that there was a marked decrease in the number of dengue cases in the region for the year 2008 compared to 2007.

The health office said that there were 962 dengue cases recorded in 2008 which is 20% lower than in 2007 which had 1,213 cases recorded.

Health officials said however that they were alarmed by a 1.2% increase in the fatality rate.

Boyd Roderick Cerro, sentinel nurse of DOH-8, said that the public should remain aware of the threat of dengue and strive to maintain cleanliness of their surroundings to prevent the proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

"Water containers and flower vases should always be replaced with water. We should also throw away water that would accumulate anywhere around the backyards," Cerro added.

Cerro also advised the public to immediately consult a doctor in case of fevers that would last two days or more.

As of Thursday, there were already fourteen cases of dengue recorded in the region even as health officials said they hope there would be less cases this year.

Different hospitals in the region have already designated an "express lane" for dengue patients for them to be given immediate attention.