The Quezon City government on Thursday, July 28, announced that it is now implementing vigorous city-wide “search and destroy” operations against the spread of dengue.
"Our goal is to ensure that our citywide anti-mosquito protective measures are implemented and enforced while also educating all residents to encourage personal protection," Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Belmonte tasked the City Health Department (QCHD) to lead the operations in various barangays, prioritizing communities with the most number of dengue cases recorded.
The local government said that under the search and destroy strategy, the entire community will work together to identify and destroy all potential breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes -- discarded tins, bottles, broken flower pots, tires, among others.
Based on data from the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QCESU) from January 1 to July 21, 2022, the city has listed a total of 1,098 dengue cases which is 573 (109.14 percent) cases higher compared to the same period last year (525 cases in 2021). There were also six deaths recorded.
The data showed that the city’s sixth district recorded the highest number of cases during the said period with 210 cases, while District 3 has the lowest with 148.
Dr. Esperanza Arias, QCHD head, encouraged the residents to follow the 4S protocol of the Department of Health - Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; Self protection measures such as wearing of long sleeves and pants; Support fogging/spraying only in hot spot areas where an increase in dengue cases is registered for two consecutive weeks; and Seek early consultation.
The QCHD head said that residents who are experiencing sudden onset of fever of two to seven days, plus two of the following symptoms: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes should go to the nearest health centers for consultation.
“We made rapid dengue diagnostic kits available to all our health centers to ensure that all cases are screened and managed appropriately. Early detection and access to appropriate care reduces the likelihood of severe dengue or death,” Arias said.