The Jeddah Municipality has started a campaign to combat the incidence of dengue fever through the fumigation of homes in the Al-Azizyah district.

However, several residents have refused to cooperate and are demanding the members show their identity cards, Abdullah Saeed, a member of the health protection campaign, said. “Some people don’t want to let us into their homes because they say they aren’t sure if we are members of the campaign.”

Speaking to Arab News, he said: "We have special cards that confirm our identities and membership of this campaign.”

The Ministry of Health and Jeddah Health Affairs department have jointly launched several intensive campaigns against dengue fever with the aim of raising awareness on precautionary measures to be taken and the treatment of the disease.

Sultan Hamed, another member of the health protection campaign, told Arab News: “The dengue fever has hit the Al-Azizyah district and we are trying to prevent the spread of the disease. However, only a few residents of this district have cooperated with us. Most of them are unaware of dengue fever.”

Sami Badawood, director of the Ministry of Health in Jeddah, said the Health Ministry’s role is to detect the incidence of the fever and provide medical care to the affected. "We also advise the municipality on preventive measures and we have launched a number of health campaigns in this regard. Jeddah residents should cooperate with us.”

A report submitted by the Jeddah Municipality says there are additional ways of combating dengue fever, such as replacing curtains and wire screens on windows with Permethrin pesticide treated nets, covering exposed water tanks in households and monitoring ponds and marshes.

Dengue fever, also known as break-bone fever, is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains.