Philippines Village Offers Mosquito Bounty

Addition Hills village in Philippines — Mandaluyong City, Philippines, has launched an unusual mosquito bounty program, offering one Philippines for every five mosquitoes or larvae, to combat a surge in dengue cases. This initiative follows a declared dengue outbreak in nearby Philippines — Quezon City, which has seen 10 deaths, predominantly children. The Philippines has reported 28,234 dengue cases this year, a 40% increase from the previous year, with Health Undersecretary Alberto Domingo attributing the rise to intermittent downpours and climate change. Village leader Carlito Cernal introduced the bounty after two students died and cases spiked to 42 in Addition Hills. The Philippines — Department of Health (Philippines) appreciates local efforts but emphasizes evidence-based practices, advising citizens to clean breeding sites and seek immediate medical attention. Critics have raised concerns about potential mosquito breeding for rewards, but Cernal believes this is unlikely as the campaign will end when cases ease.