Philippine Town Offers Bounty on Mosquitoes to Combat Dengue Outbreak
Addition Hills, Philippines –
In an innovative approach to curbing the spread of the deadly dengue fever, the municipality of Addition Hills on the outskirts of Manila has implemented a bounty program that pays residents one Philippine peso (0.016 euro) for every five mosquitoes or mosquito larvae they turn in – dead or alive.
Dengue Fever: A Threat on the Rise
Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, has been on the rise in the Philippines since the beginning of the year. In Addition Hills alone, 44 cases of dengue have been reported since January, resulting in two fatalities.
Nationwide, more than 28,000 cases and 21 deaths have been recorded as of February 1, according to the Department of Health. Authorities express heightened concern as the virus is typically most prevalent during the rainy season, which runs from May to November.
The Mosquito Bounty Program
The "May Piso sa Mosquito" (Pesos for Mosquitoes) campaign was launched by the Addition Hills Municipal Government in an effort to engage residents in mosquito eradication and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment to combat the disease.
"The residents are enjoying collecting the mosquitoes and larvae," Carmelita Gonzales, a municipal employee, told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. "But more importantly, it is increasing awareness about the need to keep their surroundings clean to fight the disease."
The campaign will continue as long as dengue cases persist.
Warning: The Cobra Effect
Local media have cautioned, however, that the bounty program could potentially lead to a "cobra effect," a phenomenon in which an attempt to solve a problem actually intensifies it.
"Instead of hunting mosquitoes and their larvae and destroying their breeding places, some unscrupulous individuals might breed them for the cash reward," warned the Inquirer newspaper.
Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Treatment
Dengue fever, also known as "breakbone fever" due to the severe body aches it causes, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. While many infections are mild and do not result in illness, symptoms can include:
- Sudden, high fever
- Chills
- Persistent body and headache (particularly behind the eyes)
- Red, blotchy skin rash
Treatment involves supportive care and rest, as there is no specific cure for dengue fever. Prevention measures focus on mosquito control and personal protection.
Conclusion
The mosquito bounty program in Addition Hills represents an innovative and engaging approach to addressing the growing dengue fever threat. While the potential for unintended consequences exists, the program’s primary goal remains to empower residents in the fight against the disease through awareness, participation, and environmental hygiene.
