Authorities in one of the most populous urban centers in the Philippines have announced a cash reward for catching or killing mosquitoes. This initiative aims to prevent the spread of the deadly dengue fever.
Carlito Sarnal, the village head of Additional Hills barangay in the Philippines, stated that anyone who brings in five mosquitoes will receive a one-peso reward. The decision follows the tragic deaths of two students due to dengue in the area.
Sarnal clarified that the reward will be given for both live and dead mosquitoes, as well as for mosquito larvae. Live mosquitoes will later be killed using ultraviolet light.
This mosquito reward program is being introduced alongside other preventive measures, such as keeping roads clean and eliminating stagnant water, which aids the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue.
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) told the BBC that the local government's efforts in fighting dengue are commendable. However, when asked if paying people to catch or kill mosquitoes is an effective strategy, no response was given.
The announcement, made on Tuesday night, has sparked a debate. On social media, one user humorously wrote, "Now we will build a mosquito farm." Another asked, "What if the mosquito only has one wing, will it be accepted?"
Village head Carlito Sarnal acknowledged the online reactions, but emphasized that protecting public health remains a top priority. He added, "Recently, there has been a large-scale transmission. The local administration has identified 44 dengue cases in this area. This is one of the largest and most populous areas, so we must take action to help the local government."
Dengue fever is spreading rapidly across the Philippines. As of February 1 this year, the DOH reported 28,234 dengue cases, a 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year.