The Philippines is currently experiencing a severe mosquito infestation, and people are suffering from diseases like dengue. This problem is particularly acute in the town of Addition Hills, near the capital Manila. While the population there is over one lakh, the mosquito menace is increasing day by day in every household. Especially young children and the elderly are being hospitalized due to dengue. Some have lost their lives. Moreover, two students recently died of dengue fever. As of February 1, 28,234 people in the Philippines have been bedridden with dengue fever. Despite all the measures taken by the government and local authorities, the number of mosquitoes has not decreased, so people are panicking. As part of a plan to control mosquitoes, a local leader came up with an innovative idea. Catch the mosquitoes and bring them back. It doesn’t matter if they live or die. He made a bumper offer of one Philippine peso (about Rs. 1.50 in Indian currency) for every five mosquitoes caught and handed over to the authorities . For example, if you catch 500 mosquitoes, you can get 100 pesos (about Rs. 150).
Mosquitoes are something we have known since childhood.Harmful insects. Especially during the rainy season, the mosquito menace increases. They are most active at night and bite us to suck our blood. When exposed to a mosquito bite, redness of the skin, blisters, slight burning, and itching are common symptoms. However, sometimes these mosquito bites can lead to life-threatening diseases.
Major diseases caused by mosquitoes
Dengue – A disease caused by the dengue virus. The main symptoms are high fever, body aches, and a decrease in platelets in the blood.
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. Its symptoms include depression, high fever, headache, and chills.
Chikungunya – This can cause severe joint pain, fever, and skin rashes.
Reasons for the prevalence of mosquitoes:
Stagnant water holes
Lack of cleanliness
Garbage accumulation
Sewage and drainage leaks
Empty plots, bushes, abandoned places
Mosquito prevention measures:
Make sure that there is no water accumulation around the house.
Mosquito habitats must be destroyed.
Drains should be cleaned.
Mosquito nets and mosquito repellents should be used at home.
You can use lemongrass oil or neem oil to repel mosquitoes.
Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
It is best to sleep under a mosquito net at night.
In some countries, like the Philippines, people are now being paid to catch mosquitoes. They are given one peso for every five mosquitoes caught. Although this is an innovative initiative, there are also risks involved in catching mosquitoes. They are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
