Dengue Outbreak Declared in QC: Are You Unknowingly Breeding Deadly Mosquitoes at Home?

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In response to the alarming surge in dengue cases, Quezon City has officially declared an outbreak, with 1,769 reported cases and 10 fatalities—eight of whom were minors—between January 1 and February 14, 2025. 

 Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "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."

Amid this crisis, the EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental watchdog based in Quezon City, is urging residents to adopt ecological waste management practices to combat the spread of dengue. Jove Benosa, the group's Zero Waste Campaigner, highlighted the importance of community involvement: "We are one with the QC Government in promoting measures that will halt the spiraling cases of dengue viral infections that have so far claimed the lives of 10 residents, mostly children."

Improper waste disposal can create breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. Items like plastic bags, bottles, and discarded tires can collect stagnant water, providing ideal conditions for mosquito larvae. To address this, the EcoWaste Coalition emphasizes adherence to the Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Code, which mandates all households and establishments to maintain cleanliness and segregate waste at the source into compostable, recyclable, residual, and special waste categories.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports this approach, stating that proper storage, collection, and disposal of waste are essential for protecting public health and can significantly reduce Aedes aegypti larval habitats.

To assist residents in implementing effective waste management and dengue prevention strategies, the EcoWaste Coalition offers the following guidelines:

Segregate waste at the source: Keep non-biodegradable materials dry and clean to facilitate recycling.

Eliminate standing water: Regularly inspect and remove stagnant water from your home and surroundings.

Secure water storage: Cover tanks, drums, and pails with tight-fitting lids or mosquito-proof mesh.

Maintain cleanliness: Clean and dry containers that can collect water, such as plant saucers and pet bowls, on a daily basis.

Properly dispose of potential breeding sites: Recycle or discard items like old tires, cans, and bottles that can accumulate water.

Additionally, the EcoWaste Coalition cautions against the use of unregistered household insecticides and mosquito repellents, as these products may pose health and environmental risks if not properly vetted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

By collectively adopting these practices, residents can play a pivotal role in controlling the dengue outbreak and safeguarding public health.

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