By: Pauline Ritchel Ramos
Photo by: RAPPLER PHILIPPINES (SHUTTERSTOCK)
Quezon City has declared a dengue outbreak following a sharp rise in infections, claiming 10 lives within the first six weeks of the year, recording 1,769 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, according to the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte assured the public that the local government is acting quickly to contain the outbreak.
“We can stay on top of the problem because we declared a dengue outbreak. We are making every effort to shield our citizens, especially our children from this fatal illness," she stated.
Eight out of ten fatalities are minors, and 58% of instances involve children between the ages of 5 and 17, including a nine-month-old girl from Barangay Holy Spirit being the youngest victim.
Belmonte advised parents to exercise caution and take precautions, stating "Let's lead community efforts to eliminate dengue breeding sites and be mindful of how our children are feeling.,"
More than half of Quezon City’s 142 barangays have exceeded the epidemic threshold for dengue, 76 of which recorded numerous cases.
The most affected areas include Batasan Hills (133 cases), Payatas A and B (102 cases), and Commonwealth (92 cases).
Quezon City epidemiologist Dr. Rolando Cruz attributed the outbreak to intermittent rains, creating stagnant water pools which are ideal breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
To address the crisis, all 66 Quezon City health centers will remain open on weekends to accommodate possible dengue patients.
The city has also set up “fever express lanes” in health centers and hospitals to provide faster medical attention for individuals with dengue symptoms and provided free dengue test kits at all health centers and hospitals.
The Department of Health (DOH) also reported a nationwide increase in dengue cases as of Feb. 1, recording 28,234 infections, incurring a 40% increase from last year.
However, the case fatality rate slightly declined from 0.42% in 2024 to 0.35% this year.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo revealed that eight more areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon are at risk of declaring a dengue outbreak due to surging cases.
Health professionals issued a warning about the "critical phase" of dengue, which lasts from the fourth to the sixth day of symptoms, and while fever may go away during that time frame, platelet counts may fall, raising the possibility of internal bleeding.
“Warning signs like gum bleeding, rashes, and changes in stool color may indicate internal bleeding,” said infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante.
According to him, the “recovery phase” follows between the seventh and tenth day when platelets return to normal levels and rashes may appear.
In several barangays, local authorities have started anti-dengue campaigns to stop the disease's spread.
A P1 payment has been offered by officials in a Mandaluyong City barangay for each mosquito or larva that is captured or destroyed as part of an incentive scheme.
Quezon City health officials continue to emphasize the importance of eliminating stagnant water, using insect repellents, and seeking early medical consultation. Belmonte urged residents to take immediate action to prevent further fatalities.