Authorities in one of the most densely populated city centers of the Philippines offer a cash prize for mosquitoes in an attempt to stop the spread of Denga.
Carlito Kernal, head of the Barangay Adler Hills village in Central Manila, has declared the wealth of one peso (less than two US cents) of every five mosquitoes.
While Bounty news has provoked contempt in social media, Cernal has protected it as needed for community health.
This move follows a recent leap in the cases of dengue, which is distributed by mosquitoes in the Philippines.
The program, which will last for at least a month, was launched after two students in the D -Cherine neighborhood died of the disease.
Bowet is applied to all mosquitoes – dead or alive – and their larvae, added G -n Cernal. Living mosquitoes will be exterminated with the help of ultraviolet light.
A total of 21 people have already requested their award, bringing a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae so far, he told the BBC.
Bounty removed Swift Ridele after being announced late Tuesday.
“Mosquito cultivation is coming,” said a comment on social media. “Will a mosquito be rejected if there is only one wing?” Read another.
The Ministry of Health of the Philippines (DOH) told the BBC that “appreciate the good intentions of local leaders of local authorities to fight Denga.”
However, he refused a more commentary when he was asked if mosquito caught in exchange for money was an effective way to stop Denga.
“We urge all interested to consult and coordinate with their local health officials or from the DOH regional office in their field of evidence -based practices that are known to work,” the statement said.
Kernal said he was aware that wealth was enclosed in social media, but added: “This is one of the largest and dense areas. We have to do something to help the local authorities.”
He pointed to that Local health authorities have recorded 44 cases of detega in the community during the worst rush of infections.
Barangay Alder Hills is home to nearly 70,000 people, packed in a 162-hectare patch in the heart of the capital, Metro Manila.
Mr. Kernal said that wealth was intended to supplement the existing measures such as cleaning the streets and preventing water accumulation, where mosquitoes carrying detex lay their eggs.
Denga is endemic in tropical countries, and outbreaks are often found in urban areas with poor sewers, which allows mosquitoes to be multiplied.
In severe cases, Denga causes internal bleeding, which can lead to death. His symptoms include headache, nausea, joint and muscle pain.
The Philippine authorities have recently noted an increase in dengue cases throughout the country due to seasonal rains. DOH said it registered 28 234 cases on February 1, a 40% jump from the previous year.
The department advises the public to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings, to destroy potential mosquito breeding areas, to wear shirts and pants with long sleeves and to apply mosquito repellent.
In addition to Denga, the DOH said that the rains also nourished the jump in influenza diseases and cases of leptospirosis, a disease carried by a rat, which people get when flooded in the flood waters.