Quezon City: The mayor of Quezon City, the most populous city in Metro Manila, Philippines, has officially declared a dengue outbreak following a nearly 200 percent surge in cases compared to the previous year.

According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, from January 1 to February 14, the city's health department recorded 1,769 dengue cases, marking a significant spike. The outbreak has resulted in 10 fatalities, including eight minors.

"Our declaration of a dengue outbreak ensures that we are on top of the situation, and we are doing everything we can to protect our residents from this deadly disease, especially our children," Belmonte stated.

Health officials report that 58 percent of cases involve school-aged children between 5 to 17 years old, while 44 percent affect children aged 1 to 10.

To address late diagnosis and treatment, the city’s 66 health centers will now remain open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate potential dengue patients.

The outbreak declaration comes a day after the Philippines’ Department of Health warned of rising cases of waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue.

Quezon City, home to nearly 3 million residents as of 2020, is now ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities.