By Chito Chavez

The Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) said on Thursday it has put up fever surveillance lanes in the city’s health centers to closely monitor cases of dengue, leptospirosis, viral illnesses, and other febrile conditions.

Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) (PIA)

City Health Officer Dra. Esperanza Arias said the move is necessary as dengue and leptospirosis cases are on the rise nationwide.

“This development can be attributed to the heightened advocacy campaign of the city. The regular and close monitoring of all notifiable disease being done by the City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (CESU) in partnership with the city’s sentinel hospitals, the Department of Health and all local health facilities, have enabled the city to know the status of these diseases and implement measures to address these accordingly,” Arias said.

The QCHD has recorded 160 cases of leptospirosis with 21 deaths from January 1 to August 17 of this year.

This is, however, a 62 percent drop from the 432 cases with 60 deaths recorded during the same period last year.

Mayor Joy Belmonte also reminded the public to be vigilant in ensuring the cleanliness of their surroundings especially during the rainy season.

“Our health department is ready to address illnesses including leptospirosis, that may peak during the rainy season. Aside from our strengthened awareness campaign, our health centers have protocols in place to treat patients who have contacted leptospira,” Belmonte said, following reports that scattered rains may be expected over Metro Manila in the coming days.

While rats are the known carrier of leptospira, the QCHD noted other animals such as cows, pigs and dogs can also harbor the microbe and spread the disease.