By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Quezon City government has intensified its dengue response as cases climbed to 7,686 from Jan. 1 to Sept. 9, recording a 126.53-percent increase from 3,045 from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2024.
“Ang pinakaapektado ng sakit na ito ay mga batang sampung taong gulang pababa o 3,783 cases. (The disease is most commonly affecting children under the age of 10 with 3,783 cases),” the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“Dalawampu’t tatlo naman ang naitalang nasawi kaugnay ng sakit na ito (23 deaths have been recorded related to this disease),” it added.
To help mitigate the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, the city government has expanded its information campaign to the barangay level.
On Sept. 7, the QC Health Department (QCHD) led a source reduction drive among residents of Magsalin compound, Barangay Apolonio Samson, clearing stagnant water and removing containers that could become mosquito breeding grounds.
The city government said the event not only promoted environmental clean-up but also provided residents with knowledge on simple but effective ways to safeguard their families’ health.
Meanwhile, the QCHD’s Health Promotion Unit also held an information and education campaign in Barangay North Fairview, while urging residents to wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellents, especially from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or during peak mosquito activity.
They were also urged to maintain proper waste disposal to prevent the spread of dengue as well as of leptospirosis.
Residents exposed to floodwaters were also advised to seek free consultation and medicines at the city’s health centers to avoid complications.
The city government stressed that cleanliness is the community’s first line of defense.
“Every action we take to keep our homes, streets, and public spaces clean is a step toward a healthier and safer Quezon City,” the QCHD noted while urging residents to join search and destroy activities organized by the city and barangays.
Meanwhile, the QCESD assured that hotlines 8703-2759; 09622747107; and 8988-4242 local 1609, remain open to assist residents, while barangay health workers continue to monitor vulnerable areas to ensure early detection and treatment of dengue cases. (PNA)
