In an effort to prevent dengue unfold, authorities in one of the country’s most densely populated urban centers are offering a cash incentive for flies.
Carlito Cernal, community commander of Barangay Addition Hills in northern Manila, announced the reward of one currency ( less than two US cents ) for every five flies.
While the bounty’s release has caused a stir on social media, Mr. Cernal has argued that it is important for the group’s well-being.
The move follows a recent rise in cases of dengue, which is spread by mosquitoes, in the Philippines.
The project, which will work for at least a fortnight, was started after two learners in Mr Cernal’s suburb died from the illness.
The reward applies to all flies- dead or alive- and their eggs, Mr Cernal added. Using ultraviolet lighting, life flies will be exterminated.
He reported to the BBC that a total of 21 people have previously claimed their praise, bringing in a total of 700 flies and eggs.
After being revealed later on Tuesday, the reward drew timely mockery.
” Mosquito cultivation is coming”, one cultural media post read. If a mosquitoes only has one aircraft, will it be rejected? learn another.
The Department of Health ( DOH) of the Philippines acknowledged the good intentions of local government officials in the fight against dengue.
When questioned if catching flies in exchange for money is a successful method of preventing mosquito, it declined more reply.
We ask that all parties involved in developing evidence-based practices, including those that are known to be effective, counsel and integrate with their local health officials or the DOH regional office in their place.
Mr. Cernal added that this is one of the largest and most compact areas and that he was informed that the bounty had been criticized on social media. We have to do something to help the local state”.
He pointed out that local health authorities recorded 44 cases of dengue in the community during the most recent surge of infections.
Barangay Addition Hills is home to roughly 70, 000 individuals, crammed into a 162-hectare piece at the heart of the money, Metro Manila.
Mr. Cernal claimed that the reward was intended to product already in place efforts to clean the streets and stop the water from accumulating where dengue-carrying mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Dengue is endemic in tropical nations, and occurrences frequently occur in metropolitan areas with inadequate sanitation, which allows mosquitoes carrying the virus to spread.
Dengue can cause internal bleeding that can lead to suicide in extreme cases. Its symptoms include headaches, dizziness, joint and muscle soreness.
Authorities in the Philippines have just identified a rise in dengue cases that are being caused by seasonal storms. The DOH said it recorded 28, 234 cases on 1 February, a 40 % leap from the past year.
The ministry has advised the community to keep their surroundings tidy, remove any possible breeding grounds, remove long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use mosquito repellent.
Apart from dengue, the DOH said the floods have also fuelled a rise in influenza-like conditions and cases of illness, a rat-borne illness that people get when wading in disaster waters.