A village in Mandaluyong City, part of the Philippine capital region, initiated a novel approach to combat dengue on Wednesday by offering residents small rewards for capturing mosquitoes—alive or dead.
This initiative, adopted by Addition Hills village, comes in response to growing concern after Quezon City, nearby, declared a dengue outbreak over the weekend. Cases of the mosquito-borne disease have surged, with eight other areas also reporting increased infections.
As of February 1, the Philippines has recorded 28,234 dengue cases this year, marking a 40% rise compared to the same period last year. Quezon City declared an outbreak after 10 deaths, mostly children, among 1,769 infected individuals.
Addition Hills, a densely populated urban area with over 100,000 residents, has already conducted clean-ups, canal de-clogging, and hygiene awareness campaigns to combat dengue. However, after the number of cases spiked to 42 this year, and two young students died, village leader Carlito Cernal decided to ramp up efforts.
“There was an alarm,” Cernal told The Associated Press. “I found a way."
Under the new plan, residents receive one Philippine peso (about 1 cent) for every five mosquitoes or larvae they turn in.
While some critics have raised concerns that people may breed mosquitoes for rewards, Cernal dismissed this possibility, noting that the campaign would end once the number of cases decreases.
As the initiative began, several mosquito hunters showed up at the village office. Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, brought a jug containing 45 mosquito larvae and received a reward of nine pesos (15 cents).
“This is a big help,” Labag said, smiling. “I can buy coffee.”
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, causing symptoms like joint pain, nausea, and rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to breathing issues, hemorrhaging, and organ failure. While there is no specific treatment, maintaining fluid levels is critical for recovery.
In Quezon City, officials are considering using frogs to combat mosquitoes, while Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and seeking immediate medical attention for suspected cases. Despite a rise in dengue infections, the Philippines has managed to maintain relatively low mortality rates.
Dengue cases have surged unexpectedly before the rainy season, with intermittent rain leaving stagnant water pools that are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Health Undersecretary Alberto Domingo also cited climate change as a factor contributing to off-season rainfall.