Latest news with #CarlitoCernal
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local officials launch controversial bounty program to curb booming mosquito populations: 'The worst year … on record'
Bad news for mosquitoes in Manila, Philippines — bounty hunters are coming for you. As Philstar reported, it's all part of a local initiative to get these blood suckers' numbers down and protect residents from dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that causes symptoms like fever, headaches, and swollen glands. According to the publication, one neighborhood in the city is offering residents one peso for every five mosquitoes caught, dead or alive. Philstar added that Philippine health officials aren't completely convinced of the potential of this initiative, and some even fear that residents might purposely breed mosquitoes in exchange for the cash tradeoff. But for program participant Rachel Estoque, it's not about the money. "My child suffered from dengue before and I know how scary and difficult that is ... that's why I'm participating in this project," she told Philstar. The efforts come amid an "unusual" rise in cases in 2025 — according to the news site, the country has experienced a 40% increase year over year as of February 1, and five cities and municipalities have declared outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Philippines is not the only country suffering from exploding dengue numbers. The World Mosquito Program called 2024 "the worst year for dengue cases on record" globally. In fact, health officials in Florida sounded the alarm after several cases of locally acquired dengue hit the state following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to scientists, warming global temperatures and wetter weather in many areas are creating the perfect conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes to thrive and expand. For instance, a recent study predicts that several mosquito species' populations will expand their ranges in North and South America in the coming years thanks to warming weather trends. In response, communities are scrambling to control these insects. For instance, one team in Florida is using special X-rays to kill off invasive mosquitoes that carry dengue, Zika, and other diseases. Back in Manila, Carlito Cernal, village captain for the community offering mosquito bounties, told Philstar that their campaign could have a "huge impact" on controlling dengue when combined with local cleanup efforts. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Voice of America
23-02-2025
- Health
- Voice of America
Philippine village battles dengue by offering bounties for mosquitos — dead or alive
A village in the densely populated Philippine capital region launched a battle against dengue Wednesday by offering a token bounty to residents for captured mosquitos — dead or alive. The unusual strategy adopted by the Addition Hills village in Mandaluyong City reflects growing concern after the nearby city of Quezon declared an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness over the weekend. Eight more areas reported an upsurge in cases of the potentially deadly viral infection. At least 28,234 dengue cases have been recorded in the Philippines this year up to Feb. 1, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, according to health department statistics. Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak Saturday after deaths this year reached 10 people, mostly children, out of 1,769 residents infected. A urban village of more than 100,000 residents living in crowded neighborhoods and residential condominium towers, Addition Hills has done clean-ups, canal declogging and a hygiene campaign to combat dengue. But when cases spiked to 42 this year and two young students died, village leader Carlito Cernal decided to intensify the battle. "There was an alarm," Cernal told The Associated Press. "I found a way." Residents will get a reward of one Philippines peso (just over 1 cent) for every five mosquitos or mosquito larva they turn in, Cernal said. Critics warned the strategy could backfire if desperate people start breeding mosquitoes for the reward. Cernal said that was unlikely because the campaign would be terminated as soon as the uptick in cases eases. As the campaign began, about a dozen mosquito hunters showed up at the village office. Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, handed a jug with 45 dark mosquito larvas squirming in some water and received a reward of nine pesos (15 cents). "This is a big help," Labag said, smiling. "I can buy coffee." Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical countries worldwide. It can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes, and in severe cases can cause breathing problems, hemorrhaging and organ failure. While there is no specific treatment for the illness, medical care to maintain a person's fluid levels is seen as critical. Officials in another village in Quezon City were considering releasing swarms of frogs to eat mosquitoes. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said it's crucial to clean up mosquito breeding sites, and for anyone who might be infected to seek immediate medical attention. Despite an increase in dengue infections, the Philippines has managed to maintain low mortality rates, he said. Dengue cases surged unexpectedly ahead of the rainy season, which starts in June, likely because of intermittent downpours that have left stagnant pools of water where dengue-causing mosquitos can breed, Health Undersecretary Alberto Domingo said, adding that climate change was likely contributing to off-season downpours.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Filipino village puts bounty on mosquitoes caught dead or alive
A village in the Philippine capital has offered to pay residents 1 Philippine peso ($0.017) for every five mosquitoes or larvae they catch – dead or alive – as part of efforts to fight an increase in cases of dengue. The village of Addition Hills in the Manila suburban city of Mandaluyong launched the campaign - "May Piso sa Mosquito" (there is peso in mosquito) - on Wednesday, drawing crowds to the village hall. "The project May Piso sa Mosquito is an alternative measure especially at a time when dengue cases are increasing," village chief Carlito Cernal said in a post on Facebook. Cernal was defending the unconventional strategy, which prompted the Department of Health to suggest that instead of offering a bounty for mosquitoes, local officials should work on collecting garbage. On its Facebook page, the village said one resident brought 45 mosquito larvae in one go, earning him 9 pesos. The average daily income in Metro Manila is between 600 and 645 pesos. Carmelita Gonzales, chief of staff of the village chief, said that so far, at least 36 residents have participated. "They are having fun collecting the mosquitoes and larvae," she told dpa in a telephone interview. "More importantly, the project has raised awareness among residents about the need to clean their surroundings to fight dengue," she added. "We will have this campaign as long as dengue cases are high." Some residents have expressed concern that the project could backfire and unscrupolous villagers may breed mosquitoes for the reward. Nationwide, at least 21 people have died from dengue since January, according to the Department of Health, which recorded a total of 28,234 dengue cases from January to February 1, a 40% increase from the same period last year. Dengue is a life-threatening viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. In 2024, over 14 million dengue cases and over 10,000 dengue-related deaths were reported globally, according to World Health Organization figures.
Fox News
20-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Philippine village offers cash for mosquitos amid dengue outbreak
A village in the densely populated Philippine capital region launched a battle against dengue Wednesday by offering a token bounty to residents for captured mosquitoes — dead or alive. The unusual strategy adopted by the Addition Hills village in Mandaluyong City reflects growing concern after the nearby city of Quezon declared an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness over the weekend. Eight more areas reported an upsurge in cases of the potentially deadly viral infection. At least 28,234 dengue cases have been recorded in the Philippines this year up to Feb. 1, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, according to health department statistics. Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday after deaths this year reached 10 people, mostly children, out of 1,769 residents infected. An urban village of more than 100,000 residents living in crowded neighborhoods and residential condominium towers, Addition Hills has done clean-ups, canal de-clogging and a hygiene campaign to combat dengue. But when cases spiked to 42 this year and two young students died, village leader Carlito Cernal decided to intensify the battle. "There was an alarm," Cernal told The Associated Press. "I found a way." Residents will get a reward of one Philippines peso (just over 1 cent) for every five mosquitoes or mosquito larva they turn in, Cernal said. Critics warned the strategy could backfire if desperate people start breeding mosquitoes for the reward. Cernal said that was unlikely because the campaign would be terminated as soon as the uptick in cases eases. As the campaign began, about a dozen mosquito hunters showed up at the village office. Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, handed a jug with 45 dark mosquito larvas squirming in some water and received a reward of nine pesos (15 cents). "This is a big help," Labag said, smiling. "I can buy coffee." Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical countries worldwide. It can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes, and in severe cases can cause breathing problems, hemorrhaging and organ failure. While there is no specific treatment for the illness, medical care to maintain a person's fluid levels is seen as critical. Officials in another village in Quezon City were considering releasing swarms of frogs to eat mosquitoes. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said it's crucial to clean up mosquito breeding sites, and for anyone who might be infected to seek immediate medical attention. Despite an increase in dengue infections, the Philippines has managed to maintain low mortality rates, he said. Dengue cases surged unexpectedly ahead of the rainy season, which starts in June, likely because of intermittent downpours that have left stagnant pools of water where dengue-causing mosquitoes can breed, Health Undersecretary Alberto Domingo said, adding that climate change was likely contributing to off-season downpours.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wanted dead or alive: Filipino lawman offers bounty for mosquitoes behind dengue outbreak
Local officials in the Philippines are offering a bounty for mosquitoes caught dead or alive in a bid to slow the spread of another dengue epidemic. In an unusual scheme to combat the debilitating and sometimes lethal disease, authorities have launched a 'peso for a mosquito' in Addition Hills – a densely packed neighbourhood in the heart of the capital Manila, home to some 70,000 people. The area's leader, Carlito Cernal, hopes that adopting a time-honoured bounty will inspire residents to remove mosquitoes from the streets – and therefore combat a massive uptick in dengue transmission. 'Fight dengue, catch mosquitoes together!' the area's leader, Carlito Cernal, wrote on Instagram. 'Due to the increase in dengue cases… we have launched an alternative method in addition to the regular cleaning of our surroundings!' Nationwide dengue infections jumped by 40 per cent in January compared to the same period last year, with the archipelago's Department of Health recording 28,234 cases as of February 1. Last weekend Quezon City, which directly borders Manila, declared an outbreak after 1,769 cases and 10 deaths were reported – most of the fatalities were among children. Local officials there have not yet talked of a bounty, but said they may instead release swarms of frogs to eat the insects. The central government has blamed intermittent downpours for the surge in infections, warning that the rainfall has left behind the ideal mosquito breeding sites – stagnant pools of water. In Addition Hills, officials have already tried to control mosquitoes using traditional tools, from a street hygiene campaign to canal de-clogging. But Mr Cernal said he decided to adopt a less conventional approach after two young students died in the neighbourhood. The new cash reward applies to all mosquitoes and their larvae, dead or alive. Participants will receive one peso, just under two US cents, for every five insects captured. As of Wednesday evening, 21 bounty-hunters had claimed their reward, with 700 mosquitoes captured so far, the BBC reported. Among them was Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, who told AFP news agency that he received nine pesos (15 cents, or 10 pence) for 45 mosquitoes, which were squirming in water in a jug. 'This is a big help, I can buy a coffee,' he said. However, the latest campaign has triggered some scorn online, amid suggestions that sneaky residents could launch 'mosquito farms' to capitalise on the bounty. Others questioned whether enough insects would be collected to make a dent in transmission. But Mr Cernal was adamant that the bounty was a novel way to fight dengue, batting away concerns the cash reward could be exploited. He added that the campaign would be terminated as soon as the uptick in cases eases. The novel approach comes as dengue – often called 'breakbone fever' because severe joint pain is one of the symptoms – laps the globe in an unprecedented outbreak, driven by warming temperatures, urbanisation and international travel. At least 14 million cases and 10,000 deaths were reported last year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, with South and Central America especially hard hit. Patchy surveillance means these figures are likely to be underestimates. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
