Quezon City: The Quezon City government declared a dengue outbreak after cases skyrocketed by 200 percent from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that the city government has mobilized all available resources to curb the outbreak, ensure services are accessible, and protect its residents, particularly children, from the disease. The declaration aims to ensure that the situation is under control, with measures in place to protect residents from this disease.

Data from the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Division indicated that 1,769 dengue cases were reported between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. This represents a nearly 200 percent increase in cases compared to the same period last year. Mayor Belmonte highlighted that 58 percent of the reported cases involved school-aged children, aged 5 to 17, while 44 percent were children aged 1 to 10. Tragically, ten residents have died from the disease, eight of whom were minors.

Mayor Belmonte urged parents to remain vigilant about their children's health and encouraged community participation in clean-up drives to help prevent the spread of dengue. To enhance early detection and treatment, all 66 health centers in the city have been directed to operate daily, including weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fever express lanes have been established in health centers and hospitals to provide swift medical attention to those showing dengue symptoms, and free dengue test kits will be available for residents.

Further measures include fogging operations in high-risk areas conducted by barangay spraying teams under the supervision of sanitary inspectors, as well as larviciding in water bodies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Residents are advised to take preventive measures, including using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water from containers, tires, and drainage systems.