Local officials declared Saturday a dengue outbreak in Quezon City amid a steep rise in cases and at least 10 deaths due to the virus this year.
From January 1 to February 14, 2025, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD) of QC recorded a total of 1,769 cases — nearly 200% higher than last year, according to a statement by the local government.
Ten of the eight fatalities were minors, the statement read.
As for the reported cases, 58% are school-age children 5 to 17 years old, while 44% are children aged 1 to 10.
“Our declaration of a dengue outbreak ensures that we are on top of the situation, and we are doing everything we can to protect our residents from this deadly disease, especially our children,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
The local government said all of its 66 health centers will be opened during Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to accommodate all possible dengue patients.
Fever express lanes in all health centers and hospitals have been established to quickly attend to citizens with fever, which is among the symptoms of dengue. Free dengue test kits have also been made available.
Local authorities will heighten its campaign to destroy dens of dengue-carrying mosquitoes and ensure cleanliness of surroundings, the report said.
Barangay spraying teams and sanitary inspectors have conducted chemical controls like spraying and fogging in areas with clustering of dengue cases, as well as larviciding in water bodies.
Meanwhile, the QC government has issued an advisory asking residents to take precautions against dengue, including using mosquito repellent and wearing personal protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants, especially for the children.
The local government urged residents to empty used containers, tires, pots, and other items that collect water, as these can serve as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Pre-clinic lectures, dengue awareness assemblies, and forums are continuously being held in barangays to raise the residents’ awareness and knowledge about dengue and how it can be prevented. Briefings about dengue were also given to barangay officials and school administrators to ensure their full cooperation.
— Jamil Santos/ VDV/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
