A village in the densely populated Philippines capital region launched a battle against dengue Wednesday by offering a token bounty to residents for captured mosquitos — dead or alive.
The initiative, launched Wednesday in the Addition Hills village of Mandaluyong City, comes amid heightened concern following a dengue outbreak declared in nearby Quezon City.
The unusual strategy underscores the growing alarm over the mosquito-borne illness. Eight areas in the region have reported a spike in dengue infections, adding to a national tally of 28,234 cases this year – a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, according to health department figures. The outbreak declared in Quezon City on Saturday followed ten deaths, predominantly children, out of 1,769 reported infections.
Addition Hills, a densely populated urban village with over 100,000 residents, has already implemented clean-up drives, unclogged canals, and launched hygiene campaigns. However, following the deaths of two young students and a surge in cases to 42 this year, village leader Carlito Cernal introduced the mosquito bounty to bolster their efforts.
“There was an alarm,” Cernal told The Associated Press. “I found a way."
Residents will get a reward of one Philippines peso (just over 1 cent) for every five mosquitos or mosquito larva they turn in, Cernal said.
Critics warned the strategy could backfire if desperate people start breeding mosquitoes for the reward. Cernal said that was unlikely because the campaign would be terminated as soon as the uptick in cases eases.
As the campaign began, about a dozen mosquito hunters showed up at the village office. Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, handed a jug with 45 dark mosquito larvas squirming in some water and received a reward of nine pesos (15 cents).
“This is a big help,” Labag said, smiling. “I can buy coffee.”
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical countries worldwide. It can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes, and in severe cases can cause breathing problems, hemorrhaging and organ failure. While there is no specific treatment for the illness, medical care to maintain a person’s fluid levels is seen as critical.
Officials in another village in Quezon City were considering releasing swarms of frogs to eat mosquitoes.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said it’s crucial to clean up mosquito breeding sites, and for anyone who might be infected to seek immediate medical attention. Despite an increase in dengue infections, the Philippines has managed to maintain low mortality rates, he said.
Dengue cases surged unexpectedly ahead of the rainy season, which starts in June, likely because of intermittent downpours that have left stagnant pools of water where dengue-causing mosquitos can breed, Health Undersecretary Alberto Domingo said, adding that climate change was likely contributing to off-season downpours.
