To combat the rising threat of dengue fever, officials in one of the Philippines’ most crowded urban areas are implementing a unique strategy: offering financial incentives to collect mosquitoes.
Carlito Cernal, the village chief of Barangay Addition Hills, has declared a bounty of one peso (equivalent to less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes collected. This initiative follows the tragic deaths of two students in the community due to the disease.
Cernal stated that the bounty was designed to enhance current efforts, including street cleaning and eliminating stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Cernal noted that the reward encompasses both live and deceased mosquitoes and their larvae. Ultraviolet light will be employed to exterminate live mosquitoes.
The announcement of the bounty late on Tuesday was met with immediate mockery.
“Mosquito farming is on the horizon,” stated a comment on social media. “Is a mosquito with only one wing likely to face rejection?” asked another observer.
The Department of Health in the Philippines expressed to the BBC its recognition of the positive intentions demonstrated by local government executives in their efforts to combat dengue fever.
When questioned about the effectiveness of offering cash for catching mosquitoes as a strategy to combat dengue, the organisation refrained from providing additional comments.
“We encourage all stakeholders to consult and coordinate with their local health officers or the Department of Health regional office in their area for evidence-based practices that have proven effective,” the statement read.
Cernal acknowledged the backlash the bounty received on social media, asserting that it was essential for the community’s well-being.
Dengue fever remains a persistent threat in tropical regions, with outbreaks frequently emerging in urban locales characterised by inadequate sanitation, creating ideal conditions for the proliferation of virus-carrying mosquitoes.
In extreme instances, dengue can result in internal bleeding, a condition that may ultimately lead to fatality. The condition presents with various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and joint and muscle pain.
Barangay Addition Hills, situated in the bustling heart of Metro Manila, is densely populated, housing nearly 70,000 residents within a compact 162-hectare area.
Cernal reported that local health authorities documented 44 dengue cases in the region amid the latest wave of infections.
“This region stands out as one of the largest and most densely populated.” “Action is necessary to assist the local government,” Cernal stated.
National authorities have recently reported an increase in dengue cases across the country, attributing this surge to the seasonal rains. On February 1, the Department of Health reported 28,234 cases, marking a significant 40% increase compared to last year.
The department has urged the public to clean their environments, eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds like discarded tyres, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito repellent.
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported that, in addition to dengue, the recent rains have contributed to an increase in influenza-like illnesses and leptospirosis cases, a disease transmitted by rats that can affect individuals who come into contact with floodwaters.
