The local government of Quezon City’s health officials are urging residents to take advantage of free and early dengue detection tests following a declared outbreak in the city.

Dr. Rolly Cruz, chief of the Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit, stressed that early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing further dengue-related deaths.

“You don’t have to pay for a dengue check. Test kits and medicines are available at our QC hospitals. We do daily inventory, and the supply is sufficient,” Cruz said.

Dr. Nestor Dumagas, Medical Officer III of the City School Division Office, said data shows an alarming increase in cases compared to the same period in 2024.

‘You don’t have to pay for a dengue check. Test kits and medicines are available at our QC hospitals. We do daily inventory, and the supply is sufficient.’

The city has launched an information drive for school principals, officials and parents, educating them on dengue symptoms and prevention.

“We also tell them to follow the Department of Health’s 5-S strategy: Seek and destroy breeding places (of mosquitoes); Self-protection (wearing long, light-colored clothes and repellents); Seek early intervention or consultation (for symptoms); Support fogging; and Sustained hydration (more fluids to prevent blood vessel leakage),” Dumagas said.

Of the 11 dengue-related deaths, six occurred among children who contracted the virus at school. The city has 159 schools.

Jet Junio, Disease Surveillance Officer, reported 2,779 dengue cases as of 26 February 2025, compared to approximately 2,700 during the same period last year.

“From 13 to 26 February, we have an average of 19 new cases from the 971 new cases,” Junio said.

District 2, which includes the populous barangays of Commonwealth, Payatas, Batasan Hills and Holy Spirit, recorded 716 cases.

Most victims are children ages 1-10. Nine of the fatalities were children, and two were adults.

“You don’t have to worry, we have NS1 test kits available even at health centers, which are open Monday-Sunday, to check dengue progress and avoid hospitalization,” Cruz said, encouraging residents to get tested if they experience fever.