MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City, the most populated city in the Philippines, declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday, February 15, following the deaths of 10 individuals in recent months.
The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division recorded 1,769 dengue cases from January 1 to February 14, nearly 200% higher than the same period in 2024.
The majority of cases (58%) involve school-aged children, 5 to 17 years old, while 44% affect children between 1 and 10 years old.
Eight of the 10 who recently died due to dengue are minors, the Quezon City government reported.
“Children make up the majority of victims of this deadly disease. That’s why I urge my fellow parents to work together in protecting our children against dengue. Let’s stay alert to any symptoms our kids may experience and take the lead in clean-up drives in our communities,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a press conference at the Quezon City Hall.
QC response
In response, 66 health centers in the city will be open during the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, to accommodate all possible dengue patients.
A dedicated fever express lane has been set up in all city health centers and hospitals to quickly assist residents experiencing fever, a common symptom of dengue. Free dengue test kits are also available at these facilities.
Barangay Spraying Teams are spraying, fogging, and treating water bodies across the city to control mosquito populations in dengue-affected areas.
The city epidemiology and surveillance division urged the public, especially kids, to use mosquito repellant and wear personal protective clothing like long sleeves and long pants.
Pre-clinic lectures, dengue awareness assemblies, and forums are also being held across the city.
The Quezon City government advises that items such as used containers, tires, and pots that collect water should be emptied, as stagnant water in them can become a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“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.
As of February 1, the health department recorded 28,234 dengue cases across the country, which is 40% higher compared to the previous year. – Rappler.com