- Philippines offers cash reward for mosquitoes to curb dengue
- Bounty of one peso for every five mosquitoes, dead or alive
- Move aims to combat dengue outbreak in densely populated Manila
In a bid to curb the spread of dengue, authorities in one of the Philippines’ most densely populated urban centers are offering a cash reward for mosquitoes. The move, announced by Carlito Cernal, village chief of Barangay Addition Hills in central Manila, offers one peso (less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes.
While the bounty has drawn ridicule on social media, Mr. Cernal defended it as necessary for the community’s health. The program, which will run for at least a month, was launched after two students in Mr. Cernal’s neighborhood died from dengue.
The bounty applies to all mosquitoes – dead or alive – and their larvae, Mr. Cernal added. Live mosquitoes will be exterminated using ultraviolet light. So far, 21 people have claimed their reward, bringing in a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae.
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged the local government’s efforts to combat dengue but declined to comment on the effectiveness of the bounty. Instead, the DOH urged local authorities to consult with health officers and adopt evidence-based practices to prevent the spread of dengue.
Mr. Cernal acknowledged the criticism on social media but emphasized the need for action in his community. “This is one of the biggest and most dense areas. We have to do something to help the local government,” he said.
The bounty is part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of dengue in Barangay Addition Hills, which is home to nearly 70,000 people. Local health authorities recorded 44 cases of dengue in the community during the most recent surge of infections.
Dengue is endemic in tropical countries, and outbreaks often occur in urban areas with poor sanitation. The disease can cause internal bleeding, which can lead to death. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, joint and muscle pain.
The DOH has advised the public to maintain cleanliness, destroy potential mosquito breeding sites, wear protective clothing, and apply mosquito repellent. The department has also reported a rise in dengue cases nationwide due to seasonal rains, with 28,234 cases recorded on February 1, a 40% jump from the previous year.
