QP strengthens fight against dengue amid rising cases

By Nimfa Estrellado Provincial Health Officials convene to address the rising dengue cases in Quezon Province. (Quezon PIO) LUCENA CITY,...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Provincial Health Officials convene to address the rising dengue cases in Quezon Province. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Amid a nationwide surge in dengue cases, Quezon Province is taking decisive action to protect its residents and bolster healthcare services. Recognizing the urgent threat to public health, the province is implementing a multi-pronged strategy that includes targeted initiatives to combat the spread of dengue and enhance access to critical healthcare resources.

Provincial Health Office (PHO), spearheaded by Dr. Kristin Mae-Jean Villaseñor, convened the 2nd Provincial Health Board Meeting on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Building in Lucena City. A key focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the current dengue status in Quezon. Detailed presentations revealed a concerning rise in dengue cases, pinpointing specific municipalities grappling with particularly high infection rates.



Recognizing the urgent need for action, local government leaders outlined the ongoing initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. These include the "Tepok Lamok Project," a focused effort to eliminate mosquito breeding sites; extensive indoor spraying campaigns; and the strategic installation of long-lasting insecticide-treated screens in schools to protect vulnerable populations.

In response to the escalating dengue concerns, Governor Angelina Tan issued a directive for a province-wide cleanup day. This initiative aims to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, underscoring the province's commitment to swift and effective disease control measures.

To enhance local health unit capabilities, the PHO distributed multifunction portable analyzer machines across Quezon's four districts. These devices, designed for point-of-care testing, enable healthcare providers in rural areas to conduct crucial diagnostic tests efficiently.

Each machine is capable of performing a range of essential tests, including blood glucose monitoring, total cholesterol assessments, uric acid testing, and heart rate monitoring. This comprehensive testing capability facilitates the early detection and management of chronic diseases.

Allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes, these portable analyzers represent a significant step forward in providing accessible healthcare. The Provincial Health Office aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and reduce the strain on centralized medical facilities.

Decentralizing diagnostic capabilities through the distribution of these machines is a crucial step towards achieving health equity in Quezon Province. This initiative empowers healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities to detect and manage health conditions more effectively.

Nationally, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, February 28, 2025, reported a significant increase in dengue cases. "The number is 64-percent higher than the 31,670 cases recorded in the same period last year," the DOH said in a statement, noting a total of 52,008 dengue cases from January 1 to February 22.

Calabarzon, National Capital Region, and Central Luzon reported the highest number of cases, indicating a widespread concern across multiple regions. While a recent slowdown in case numbers has been observed, the DOH cautioned against complacency.

"Let us not be complacent on the threat posed by dengue-carrying mosquitoes," the DOH warned, prompting all government hospitals to reactivate their "Dengue Fast Lanes" to ensure immediate medical attention for suspected dengue cases. Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo emphasized this preparedness, stating, "All DOH hospitals, and also some private hospitals, have activated their Dengue Fast Lanes."

Quezon Province, like many regions in the Philippines, has seen an increase in dengue cases in early 2024, resulting in fatalities and prompting intensified government action. The combined efforts of the Provincial Health Office, local government units, and the community are crucial in mitigating the impact of dengue and improving the overall health of Quezon residents.