Communities have vital role in dengue prevention

The Department of Health (DOH) may have wasted public funds on fogging in connection with its anti-dengue project in 21 barangays in Metro Manila, according to inventor/entomologist Gonzalo Catan Jr., executive vice president of Mapecon Philippines, Inc., the name synonymous to pest control.

In its news releases, Mapecon said fogging does not work on airborne mosquitoes as they simply fly away during the process. Fogging, Catan said, may be effective only if applied head on. “But how can you spray head on on airborne mosquitoes? he asks.

Catan’s claim is corroborated by Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH dengue control preventive program manager, who said in a published report that fogging (misting) does not have effect on dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Fumigation, Dr. Lee Suy also said, might even cause mosquitoes to develop resistance to pesticide.

Saying that dengue is a community concern, Catan expressed support to local officials’ call to regularly clean the surroundings and use larvae (kiti-kiti) traps before they multiply.

It will be of great help to the government’s effort if communities would attack mosquitoes at their breeding places like stagnant water, esteros, upside coconut shell or cans. If such efforts are done on a regular basis by residents in every barangay the battle against dengue will turn in our favor. — GERRY CONSTANTINO, Muntinlupa City