Saudi Gazette The health education programs in Jeddah are being increased rapidly due to the wide spread of dengue fever. Dengue fever is caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. In order to safeguard residents from this flu, health units are actively participating and planning preventive measures for the same. The Director of the Health Awareness Unit of the First Care and Preventive Medicine Directorate in Jeddah, Dr. Munira Khalid Balhamar told Al-Watan daily, that last year one million houses in Jeddah had been visited to spread awareness on the causes and prevention of dengue fever. She fears that letting go of some of the health educators will decrease the number of house visits conducted in the coming months. She further added, “Currently, there are around 150 public health educators that work on the field and go to residences in Jeddah. Sixty of them are in the process of applying for a permanent job status and receive a salary of SR3,000 a month. In addition, we also have some public health education volunteers. We also see a need for the increased involvement of women. The administration has taken the necessary steps to employ 15 female health educators who will visit several primary girls' schools in the city to teach the students effective preventive measures against dengue fever.” The health educators are instructed to show their personal identification cards on their visit, officially received from the administration, to the family members of the household. Balhamar warns families not to allow anyone inside their house if they do not show their identification card. She also encouraged families to be more receptive and cooperate with them as they are there for their benefit and safety. Jeddah mayoralty is intensifying its efforts to spray mosquito repellants in areas with stagnant water, around parks and other public places to kill the disease- transmitting mosquitos. Symptoms to look out for are include headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and lymph nodes, and skin rash. The presence of high fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) are particular characteristic of the fever. Since it is caused by a virus there is no specific medicine to treat it and the only way the patient can find relief is to keep him/her rested and comfortable.Following preventive measures can be taken to help stop the spread of dengue fever: Spray insecticide and mosquito repellent in your outdoor garden regularly. Properly discard all unwanted items and waste in garbage bins and keep the lid on. Keep the water store tanks clean and closed. Change water in vases and aquariums frequently. Cover toilet bowls when not in use and remind children in the home to do the same. Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors. Reschedule outdoor activities. Allow your children to play outside during the day. Make sure all the windows in your home have well maintained screens without any holes in them. Immediately seek medical attention when dengue fever symptoms appear. __
