Alternative Katol Not Effective

An alternative katol (Mosquito Coil) is now trending on social media to avoid mosquitoes inside houses and rooms.

The alternative katol consists of a peeled garlic with small stick stuck on it and will be placed at the top of a water bottle.

The other part of the garlic must touch the water inside the bottle.

This kind of mosquito prevention gathered a lot of reactions and shares on Facebook but the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH)-7 clarified that this kind of prevention is not effective.

The DOH-7 explained that it has not yet been proven and tested to prevent mosquitoes from entering an individual’s house or room.

Dr. Ronald Buscato, Dengue Program Coordinator of DOH-7 said that this kind of prevention might be even risky since there is water present inside the bottle, which may be a potential place for mosquitoes to flock and lay their eggs.

DOH-7 advised the public to keep a clean environment to prevent mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Board of Cebu passed the resolution of John Ismale Borgonia that requires all public schools in the province to let their students wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

Pajamas, long sleeves and pants were among the clothing stated in the resolution. (MLC)