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QC barangay mulls releasing frogs to combat dengue
The rise in dengue cases has prompted local government units to take proactive steps to combat its source —mosquitoes.
The Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City is planning to release frogs again to catch mosquitoes against the dengue outbreak in the city.
In Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, a barangay official said that releasing frogs has been effective in the past in reducing dengue cases in the locality.
“Mostly, lahat ‘yan nilagay namin sa mga kanal, malaking tulong din. Ang mga kinakain ‘yan is mga langaw, mga eggs, mga lamok. Kaya sa tingin namin, talagang nakatulong,” said Crisanto Franza, Barangay Old Balara chief-of-staff.
(We released most of them in canals and they were a huge help. They feed on flies, larvae, and on the mosquitoes. So we believe that they are effective.)
Franza added that dengue cases in the area were reduced to almost 50% at one point.
Quezon City has logged 10 dengue-related deaths this year, which includes eight minors, prompting the declaration of an outbreak.
Peso for mosquito
Meanwhile, Mandaluyong City has launched a P1 reward per mosquito as the city recorded more than 40 dengue cases as of January.
“Ang gagawin ng ating residente para may involvement sila ay magdadala sila sa amin dito kahit buhay, patay o even kitkiti na papalitan namin at least 5 pieces of lamok in exchange of P1,” said Barangay Addition Hills captain Carlito Cernal.
(To involve our residents, they just bring with them at least five pieces of dead or alive mosquito, or even just the larva in exchange for P1 each.)
But the barangay captain said that minors are not allowed to join the program. He also clarified that the said program does not encourage breeding of mosquitoes.
“Ang sabi baka daw mag-culture, mag-breed yung ating mga barangay. Hindi po ito magiging forever na gagawin namin,” said Cernal. “Tutulong lang po isa lang ito sa alternatibo para mapababa ang kaso namin.”
(I understand the worry of some that this could lead to culturing and breeding in the barangay. But this will not be forever. This will just be an alternative solution to reduce the dengue cases in our place.)
In San Juan City, hourly mistings are being done to fight dengue in the locality.
Dengue cases have also been recorded in the Visayas, with 175 cases logged in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that a dengue outbreak will be declared in eight more areas in the coming days.
The department said the rise in dengue cases can be attributed to the rainy weather in recent days.
“Hindi siya panahon ng tag-ulan pero 'yung tinatawag na shearline, ITCZ, easterlies, dumadami 'yung buhos ng tubig at 'pag dumami ang buhos ng tubig talagang naiipon 'yan sa paligid-ligid, 'yung mga lamok dumadami,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo.
(While it’s not the rainy season, the shearline, ITCZ, easterlies bring above average rainfall and this leads to more water on the sidewalk which could be infested by mosquitoes.)
Further, the DOH warned the public to watch out for symptoms including fluctuating fever.
“Kapag nawala na ang lagnat, tsaka lumalabas ang ibang tinatawag na warning signs. Ano ang mga 'yun? Pagdurugo ng gilagid, 'yung pagpapantal, 'yung pagiba ng kulay ng dumi,” said Domingo.
(After the fever, other symptoms or what we call warning signs appear. What are they? This includes gum bleeding, rashes, and unusual color of feces.)
“Magpakonsulta na ho sa isang center or hospital para masigurado kasi may test po para diyan na hindi naman mahal minsan libre pa ho,” he added.
(We highly advise you to go for a consultation in our centers or hospitals for you to be tested. They are just cheap or sometimes even free.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News
