QC declares dengue outbreak
QUEZON City on Saturday declared an outbreak of dengue, pointing to a surge in cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 200 percent more than the same period in 2024. In a press briefing Saturday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city government had already mobilized all available resources to curb the outbreak, ensure services were accessible, and protect its residents, particularly children, from the disease. "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," Belmonte said. The Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD) of the Quezon City Health Department said they had recorded 1,769 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14 this year, 58 percent of which involved school-age children (15 to 17) and 44 percent involving children 10 years and under. Ten people, which included eight minors, died from the disease. "Most of the victims of this deadly disease are children, which is why I'm calling on my fellow parents to unite and protect our children against dengue. Let's stay alert to the symptoms our children may feel and lead clean-up drives in our communities," Belmonte said in Filipino. The Quezon City government also announced that all 66 of its health centers will also be open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate all dengue patients. A fever express lane is also included in the health centers and hospitals in the city to "swiftly attend to citizens with a fever, which is among the symptoms of dengue." Free dengue test kits are available at the centers. Barangay spraying teams will conduct fogging operations in high-risk areas under the supervision of sanitary inspectors. Larviciding is also being carried out in water bodies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. In addition, the CESD urged Quezon City residents to protect themselves from dengue by using mosquito repellants, as well as protective clothing that includes long sleeves and pants, particularly for children. "Used containers, tires, pots, and other items that collect water should be emptied. Standing water stuck in these items can serve as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes," the Quezon City government said. "Residents should also ensure that there is no stagnant water in their houses or drainage systems," it added. Belmonte urged residents to visit the nearest health center should they experience any symptoms related to dengue, including fever, headache or joint pain.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
QUEZON City on Saturday declared an outbreak of dengue, pointing to a surge in cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 200 percent more than the same period in 2024.
In a press briefing Saturday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city government had already mobilized all available resources to curb the outbreak, ensure services were accessible, and protect its residents, particularly children, from the disease.
"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," Belmonte said.
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD) of the Quezon City Health Department said they had recorded 1,769 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14 this year, 58 percent of which involved school-age children (15 to 17) and 44 percent involving children 10 years and under.
Ten people, which included eight minors, died from the disease.
"Most of the victims of this deadly disease are children, which is why I'm calling on my fellow parents to unite and protect our children against dengue. Let's stay alert to the symptoms our children may feel and lead clean-up drives in our communities," Belmonte said in Filipino.
The Quezon City government also announced that all 66 of its health centers will also be open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate all dengue patients. A fever express lane is also included in the health centers and hospitals in the city to "swiftly attend to citizens with a fever, which is among the symptoms of dengue." Free dengue test kits are available at the centers.
Barangay spraying teams will conduct fogging operations in high-risk areas under the supervision of sanitary inspectors.
Larviciding is also being carried out in water bodies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
In addition, the CESD urged Quezon City residents to protect themselves from dengue by using mosquito repellants, as well as protective clothing that includes long sleeves and pants, particularly for children.
"Used containers, tires, pots, and other items that collect water should be emptied. Standing water stuck in these items can serve as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes," the Quezon City government said.
"Residents should also ensure that there is no stagnant water in their houses or drainage systems," it added.
Belmonte urged residents to visit the nearest health center should they experience any symptoms related to dengue, including fever, headache or joint pain.
