Quezon City (QC) has declared a dengue outbreak following the deaths of 10 individuals — including eight minors — in the past two weeks, local officials announced on Saturday.

According to the city’s dengue surveillance data, 1,708 cases were recorded between 1 January and 13 February, with children and adolescents aged 1 to 20 identified as the most vulnerable to the mosquito-borne illness.

“Hindi po natin layunin na takutin ang publiko… sa halip gusto natin na maging mas alerto (We're not trying to scare the public; instead, we want them to be more alert),” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte during a press briefing with city epidemiologist Rolando Cruz and other local officials.

The city has since released an advisory encouraging residents to take extra precautions.

To combat dengue, the public are advised to practice the “4S” strategy: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protect with insect repellents, Seek early consultation when symptoms appear, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.

Do you have dengue?

Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, presents symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and rashes.

Symptoms start four to 10 days after exposure to a mosquito bite and can last for two to seven days. Most will get better in one to two weeks.

Some cases develop into severe dengue, which should be treated in a hospital. Severe dengue can be fatal and symptoms often come after the initial fever has subsided.

These symptoms include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums and nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, intense thirst, pale and cold skin, and feeling weak.