QC steps up anti-dengue drive as cases soar 91%

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

About 1,684 students and teachers from Lagro High School attended a health education session focused on preventing WILD or Water-borne, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue diseases, as well as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. (Unsplash photo)

MANILA – The Quezon City government has intensified its surveillance and case investigations against dengue, including its community awareness campaigns, after the city saw a steep increase in the number of cases since the start of the year.

In a statement, the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (ESD) said the city recorded 8,729 cases from Jan. 1 to Oct. 7, a 91-percent increase from the 4,581 cases recorded during the same period last year.

“Mga batang 10 taong gulang pababa ang pinakaapektado ng sakit na ito (4,235 cases). Tatlumpu (30) naman ang naitalang nasawi kaugnay ng sakit na ito (Children 10 years old and below are the most affected by this disease (4,235 cases). Thirty deaths related to this disease have been recorded),” it said.

On Monday, the QCESD conducted investigations in Barangays Pansol and Tagumpay in District 3, as well as in Barangay Pasong Putik in District 5, to identify possible mosquito breeding sites.

They also encouraged residents to seek early consultation to prevent severe dengue complications.

About 1,684 students and teachers from Lagro High School attended a health education session focused on preventing WILD or Water-borne, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue diseases, as well as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

Parents and guardians were also advised to bring children with dengue-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and rashes, to the nearest health center for free check-ups and dengue testing.

The QCHD continues to urge residents to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes, cover water containers, and use protective measures such as long-sleeved clothing, insect repellents, and window screens, and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, while emphasizing the importance of preventive actions such as regular handwashing, cough etiquette, mask-wearing when symptomatic, and early medical consultation.

The city government said its health centers are open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

QC residents may contact the QCESD via Facebook or through telephone numbers 8703-2759, 0962-274-7107, and 8988-4242 local 1609.