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Quezon City, Philippines – As Quezon City grapples with a declared dengue outbreak, healthcare professionals are facing a persistent and significant challenge: late consultations from patients exhibiting dengue symptoms. Dr. [Doctor's Name - ideally include if available, otherwise omit], a leading epidemiologist in the city, highlighted this issue on Monday, emphasizing its detrimental impact on treatment outcomes and overall public health.

The dengue outbreak has placed immense pressure on the city's healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics struggling to manage the influx of patients. While efforts are underway to improve access to testing and treatment, the delay in seeking medical attention continues to hinder effective intervention. “Many patients wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking help,” explains Dr. [Doctor's Name]. “By that time, the disease has progressed, making treatment more complex and increasing the risk of complications.”

Why the Delay? Several factors contribute to this concerning trend. A lack of awareness regarding early dengue symptoms, misconceptions about the severity of the illness, and financial constraints preventing timely access to healthcare are often cited as key reasons. Some patients may also dismiss initial symptoms as common ailments like the flu, delaying their visit to a doctor.

The Impact of Late Treatment Dengue fever, if left untreated or addressed too late, can escalate into severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), both of which are life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management, including fluid replacement and monitoring for complications, are crucial for a successful recovery.

Public Health Recommendations To combat this challenge, health officials are urging the public to be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• High fever (40°C or 104°F)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash

“Don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen,” stresses Dr. [Doctor's Name]. “Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery and prevent serious complications.” The Quezon City government is also reinforcing its dengue prevention campaigns, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and educating residents about the importance of personal protective measures, such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Looking Ahead Addressing the issue of late consultations requires a multi-pronged approach, including increased public awareness campaigns, improved access to affordable healthcare, and community-based health education programs. By working together, healthcare professionals, government officials, and the public can effectively combat the dengue outbreak and protect the health and well-being of Quezon City residents.