Philippine town offers bounty for mosquitoes as dengue rises

In an effort to curb the spread of dengue fever, one of the most densely populated urban centers in the Philippines is implementing a cash-for-mosquitoes program to incentivize residents to capture the insects. Carlito Cernal, the village chief of Addition Hills in the heart of Manila, announced that individuals will receive one Philippine peso (less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes they turn in.

Despite the reward program drawing some ridicule on social media, Mr. Cernal argued that it is a necessary measure for community health. This comes after a surge in dengue cases in the Philippines, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The program, which will last for at least a month, was initiated because two students in Mr. Cernal's community died from dengue fever.

Mr. Cernal added that the reward applies to all mosquitoes—dead or alive—as well as mosquito larvae. Live mosquitoes will be killed using ultraviolet light. He revealed to the BBC that 21 people have already claimed rewards, turning in a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae. The reward program, announced late Tuesday, quickly drew mockery. One social media comment read: "Mosquito farming is coming." Another asked: "If a mosquito only has one wing, will it be rejected?"

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) told the BBC that it "appreciates the good intentions of local government officials to combat dengue." However, when asked whether paying cash for mosquitoes was an effective way to stop dengue, the department declined to comment further. "We urge everyone concerned to consult and coordinate with local health officials or the DOH regional offices in their area for known effective and evidence-based practices," the health department stated.

Mr. Cernal said he was aware that the reward was being criticized on social media, but added: "This is one of the biggest and most populated areas. We have to do something to help the local government." He noted that local health department records showed 44 dengue cases in the community in the recent wave of infections. Barangay Addition Hills is home to nearly 70,000 people, who live crowded together on a 162-hectare patch of land in the heart of the capital, Manila.

Mr. Cernal stated that the reward is designed to supplement existing measures, such as cleaning streets and preventing standing water, as dengue mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Dengue fever is endemic in tropical countries, and outbreaks frequently occur in urban areas with poor sanitation, which allows the virus-carrying mosquitoes to breed. In severe cases, dengue can cause internal bleeding, leading to death. Its symptoms include headaches, nausea, and joint and muscle pain.

Philippine authorities recently pointed to a rise in dengue cases nationwide due to seasonal rains. The Department of Health said that 28,234 cases had been recorded as of February 1, a 40% increase from the previous year. The department has advised the public to keep their surroundings clean, eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds such as tires, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and apply mosquito repellent. In addition to dengue, the Health Department said rainfall has also fueled a surge in influenza-like illnesses and leptospirosis, a rat-borne disease contracted by people walking in floods.