JEDDAH, 13 March 2003 — Dr. Talal Ekram, assistant director of the Directorate of Health Affairs in the Western Region, told Arab News in an interview yesterday that Jeddah was a very hospitable environment for the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes which spread Dengue fever.
“The mosquitoes prefer stagnant, fresh water such as the swamps found in the city after rainfall,” he said. “These mosquitoes can also thrive under window air-conditioning units, which usually leak water.”
Dr. Ekram said people should not panic because of the seven cases discovered, but they should fight the insects inside their houses. He confirmed that the Ministry of Health is concentrating on fighting the disease and educating the public about it.
He reassured the general public that there is “no epidemic” in Jeddah.
“Compared to 1994, the number is insignificant because of the strong and committed cooperation between the Health Affairs department and the Jeddah Municipality in fighting and preventing the spread of the disease.”
“The only epidemic we have in Jeddah is the common cold or flu, which its very high here because of the climate,” he added.
Dr Ekram told Arab News that the Ministry of Health, the Jeddah Municipality and local families should join forces to fight this disease.
“We work with the Municipality units to detect and isolate any cases, but local people — especially women — should be educated on how to stop the mosquitoes from growing inside our houses.
“For example, people should get rid of any stagnant water in their houses and use window shields for protection,” he said.
