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Covid-19, dengue cases on the rise in Quezon City

By Marita Moaje

August 8, 2022, 3:14 pm

<p>Quezon City hall<em> (PNA file photo)</em></p>

Quezon City hall (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Quezon City government asked its residents to be wary and stressed the importance of testing as cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and dengue fever are on the rise.

The QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit registered 1,280 dengue cases from January to July 28, or a 129.80 percent increase compared to the 525 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Seven dengue-related deaths have also been reported during the first seven months of 2022.

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 tally as of Aug. 4 showed 1,800 active cases while there were only 850 a month earlier.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said Covid-19 and dengue have similar symptoms, hence, the need to get tested for both.

“We are seeing a rise in cases in our city, not just of Covid but also of dengue so we are encouraging our residents to get tested so they can seek consultation and start treatment early,” she said in a statement on Monday.

The Department of Health (DOH) likewise urged early detection and consultation in case they experience fever that lasts up to three days.

The DOH said the change in body temperature between three to six days of infection marks the transition of the disease from mild to more serious.

Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever for two to seven days with any two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.

Dr. Esperanza Arias, QC Health Department officer-in-charge advised residents who experience a sudden onset of fever to seek consultation.

Belmonte said that the city government has been implementing search and destroy operations by identifying breeding places and intensified clean-up drives.

The “4S” strategy must also be followed -- Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

Residents have been advised to keep water receptacles, such as buckets, pails, and even plant holders covered as they can be breeding places for mosquitoes.

"We cannot address this alone and we highly encourage our residents to take part in helping the community, in their own way, to prevent the rising cases of dengue. Let us help our community so you can also protect your own family," Belmonte said. (PNA)
 


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