Quezon City has officially declared a dengue outbreak after a 200 percent spike in cases from January 1 to February 14, prompting urgent government action to curb the spread of the disease.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that the city government has mobilized all available resources to combat the outbreak, ensuring medical services are accessible and prioritizing the protection of vulnerable residents, especially children.
“Our declaration of a dengue outbreak ensures that we are taking proactive measures to address the situation and protect our residents, particularly our children, from this life-threatening disease,” Belmonte said.
According to data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, 769 dengue cases were recorded between January 1 and February 14, a significant rise from last year.
Children remain the most affected group, with:
✅ 58% of cases involving school-aged children (5 to 17 years old).
✅ 44% of cases affecting children between 1 and 10 years old.
Tragically, ten residents—including eight minors—have died from dengue during this period.
Expanded health services and emergency response
To enhance early detection and treatment, Mayor Belmonte has directed all 66 health centers across the city to operate seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
💉 Fever express lanes have been set up in health centers and hospitals to ensure rapid medical attention for individuals exhibiting dengue symptoms.
🧪 Free dengue test kits will be provided to residents for quick diagnosis.
🚑 Barangay spraying teams, under the supervision of sanitary inspectors, will conduct fogging operations in high-risk areas to eliminate mosquito populations.
🦟 Larviciding measures are being implemented in water bodies to prevent mosquito breeding.
Call for community action
Mayor Belmonte has urged parents and residents to take preventive measures to protect their families.
🔹 Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing stagnant water from containers, tires, and drainage systems.
🔹 Use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing, especially at dawn and dusk.
🔹 Participate in community clean-up drives to keep surroundings mosquito-free.
“We must all stay vigilant and proactively safeguard our children’s health. A clean environment is our first defense against dengue,” Belmonte emphasized.
The Quezon City government has assured residents that intensified monitoring, treatment, and prevention efforts will continue until the outbreak is under control.
