DOST mosquito traps reduce dengue risk

A cup, stick of wood and pellets dropped into water make a simple mosquito trap that can help prevent dengue.

The device is being distributed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to public elementary and high schools in Cebu.

Distribution of the ovicidal/ larvicidal (OL) mosquito traps to schools nationwide started last June 13 to prevent the spread of the deadly mosquito-born disease.

The target is to have one OL mosquito trap per classroom, said Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo. The DOST will distribute 435,000 units nationwide.

The cup and solution is a safe, chemical-free alternative protection against dengue, said Crystal Oloveros, DOST science and research specialist.

The mosquito trap is designed to reduce the population of dengue-carrying female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes in the surroundings.

It attracts mosquitoes to lay eggs which die in the solution.

Several households have also received the traps for free.

The pellets to be dissolved in the the solution are made of organic materials. They are available only in the DOST but will be soon available in the market after the DOST decides on an accredited distributor.

As of June 16 this year, the Dept. of Health – Central Visayas recorded 1,474 dengue cases with nine deaths in Cebu City.

It is followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 155 dengue cases and three deaths. The Lapu-Lapu City Health Office, however, said the figure is lower with only have 83 cases and one death.

The DOH is promoting the 4S dengue control strategy which stands for 1) search destroy mosquito breeding sites; 2) self-protection against mosquito bites; 3) seek early treatment; and 4)say no to indiscriminate fogging. /Correspondent Careen L. Malahay