JEDDAH, 10 February 2006 — There hasn’t been a serious outbreak of dengue fever in Saudi Arabia since 1994, but that hasn’t prevented health officials from considering the risks of exposure to the mosquito-borne infectious disease.
In a continued effort to protect the population from the viral infection, a Ministry of Health official told Arab News that an awareness campaign would be launched. The project will include fliers and a website.
The Kingdom’s proximity to East Africa — the global hot zone for the virus — makes the risk of an outbreak a perpetual concern.
The ministry’s website highlights information about the virus types in both Arabic and English. It also reveals basic preventive methods, symptoms, and how to respond in case of infection.
A million dengue awareness leaflets would be distributed during the campaign, which kicks off tomorrow, said Matouq Al-Usaimi, deputy manager of Primary Health Affairs.
He said that the ministry would issue booklets, stickers and distribute information via SMS messaging.
Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are also common. A rash usually appears in three to four days after the start of a fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults usually suffer more than young children.
Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illnesses, but some can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever when the blood vessels start to break down, causing bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gums.
Bruising can be a sign of internal bleeding. Without prompt treatment at this stage, the blood vessels can collapse, causing shock and sometimes death.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is fatal in about 5 percent of cases, mostly among children and young adults.
Since the virus is spread by mosquito, measures that protect from mosquito bites are the most effective, including protecting children with nets or window screens, using repellents, and wearing long-sleeved clothing outside where mosquitoes are prominently seen. The ministry’s information on the viral disease can be accessed at: www.taw-eia.net.
