The Quezon City government is intensifying city-wide campaign against dengue, including search-and-destroy operations to curb the rise in dengue cases.
Mayor Joy Belmonte tasked the city’s Health Department to lead the operations, along with barangay officials and residents, in various villages.
Communities with the most number of dengue cases have been prioritized.
“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,” she said.
Under the search-and-destroy strategy, the entire community works together in identifying and destroying all potential dengue mosquito breeding sites, such as discarded tins, bottles, broken flower pots, and used tires.
Health officer Dr. Esperanza Arias encouraged all residents to follow the three other protocols of 4s — secure self-protection measures, like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, support fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas, and seek early consultation.
She said residents who are experiencing a 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 center to seek consultation.
“We made rapid dengue diagnostic kits available in all our health centers to ensure that all cases are screened and managed appropriately. Early detection and access to appropriate care reduce the likelihood of severe dengue or death,” she added.