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.

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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 countrys 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.