THE Department of Health (DOH) has announced that areas outside of Quezon City will also be declaring dengue outbreaks due to the surge in cases in recent weeks.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo confirmed these areas, which are located in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
Domingo stated that within these three regions, nine local government units have seen an increase in cases, with Quezon City being one of them.
On Sunday, Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak amid a spike in cases and 10 deaths from the disease this year. Among the fatalities, eight were minors.
From January 1 to February 14, 2025, the QC City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division recorded a total of 1,769 cases in the city, almost 200% higher than the previous year.
Nationwide, the trend in dengue cases has risen this year, with 28,234 cases recorded as of February 1. This represents a significant 40% increase from the same period last year.
Cases increased by only 8% from January 5-18 with 15,088 cases, compared to 13,980 cases from December 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025.
Despite this, the DOH reported that the dengue case fatality rate remains at 0.35%.
Domingo explained that while there has not been much rain, stagnant water accumulated from previous weather events has become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Domingo also said that one of the most common symptoms of dengue is sudden high-grade fever reaching 40 degrees.
Experts advise the public not to hesitate to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of dengue.
