The authorities of one of the most densely populated urban centers of the Philippines offer a cash reward for mosquitoes to try to stop the spread of dengue.
Carlito Cernal, chief of the village of Barangay Addition Hills in the center of Manila, announced the bonus of a peso (less than two hundred American) for five mosquitoes.
While the news of the premium caused contempt on social networks, Mr. Cernal defended it if necessary for the health of the community.
This decision follows a recent peak in the event of dengue, which is distributed by mosquitoes, in the Philippines.
The program, which will take place for at least a month, was launched after two students in Mr. Cernal died from the disease.
Generosity applies to all mosquitoes – dead or living – and their larvae, added Mr. Cernal. Living mosquitoes will be exterminated using ultraviolet light.
In total, 21 people have already asked for their award, so far bringing a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae, he told the BBC.
The premium attracted swift ridiculous after its announcement late Tuesday.
“Mosquito agriculture is coming,” said a comment on social networks. “Will a mosquito be rejected if he has only one wing?” Read another.
The Philippine Ministry of Health (DOH) told the BBC that it “appreciates the good intentions of the leaders of local governments to fight against dengue”.
However, he refused other comments when asked if the capture of mosquitoes in exchange for money is an effective way to stop dengue.
“We urge all the people concerned to consult and coordinate with their local health workers or at the DOH regional office in their region for practices based on evidence that is known to operate,” he said.
Mr. Cernal said he was aware that the premium had been denigrated on social networks, but added: “This is one of the largest and densest areas. We must do something to help the local government. “
He stressed that local health authorities had recorded 44 cases of dengue in the community during the last wave of infections.
Barangay Addition Hills is home to nearly 70,000 people, piled up in a 162 hectare patch in the heart of the capital, Metro Manila.
Mr. Cernal said that the premium was supposed to complete the existing measures such as street cleaning and the prevention of water accumulation where dengue -carrying mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Dengue is endemic in tropical countries, and epidemics often occur in urban areas with poor sanitation which allows mosquitoes carrying viruses to multiply.
In serious cases, dengue causes internal bleeding that can cause death. His symptoms include headaches, nausea, joint and muscle pain.
The Philippine Authorities recently reported an increase in dengue cases nationwide due to seasonal rains. The DOH said it had recorded 28,234 cases on February 1, a 40% leap compared to the previous year.
The ministry advised the public to maintain the cleanliness of their environment, to destroy the potential reproduction sites of mosquitoes such as tires, to wear shirts and long -sleeved pants and to apply a repulsive of mosquitoes.
Aside from dengue, the DOH said that rains have also fueled a peak in flu -like diseases and cases of leptospirosis, a disease transmitted by the rats that people obtain during the paddling pool in flood waters.
