Several government agencies on Sunday reminded the public that vector control, and not placing frogs and fishes in swamps and stagnant water, could help curb the increasing dengue cases in the Philippines.
In a joint advisory, the Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stressed that only scientific solutions can solve the country’s health problems like dengue.
“Dengue is caused by a virus that is transmitted through a vector, the Aedes sp. mosquito. The main solution to the dengue problem is vector control, that is, to destroy the breeding grounds of these mosquitoes,” the advisory read.
“Releasing invasive species of frogs and fish is NOT the scientific solution. To do so would risk human health and may also destroy ecological balance leading to other worse problems in the natural environment, like issues in food supply,” it added.
The three agencies also called on the public to follow the 4S habits: Search and destroy breeding places; Use Self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially during the rainy season.
A total of 16,324 dengue cases were recorded in the country from June 5 to July 2, 2022, according to DOH.
All in all, 65,190 dengue cases were registered nationally from January 1 to July 2, 2022, which was around 83% higher compared to the cases reported during the same period last year.
A total of 274 Filipinos have also died due to dengue, DOH added.
DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier this month said the increase of dengue cases in the country is already alarming as some individuals are now being admitted in hospitals.
Vergeire also said that DOH is open to studying again the possible evidence presented by dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in protecting the people against the virus.
Years back, some barangays released hundreds of frogs in the environment in the hopes of eradicating dengue-carrying mosquitos.
