Two cases of dengue fever were detected in southern Jeddah during the last two weeks, said Dr. Abdulghaffar Azhari, supervisor of the mayoralty's anti-dengue fever program. The expert predicts a surge throughout Jeddah within the next few days fueled by the recent rains which have created huge mosquito breeding sites across the city. Azhari said 45 teams have been intensifying their mosquito eradication efforts on daily basis spraying pesticides and removing garbage and stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Dr. Sami Badawood, Director of Jeddah Health Affairs, said a report giving the exact number of confirmed dengue fever cases will be published Sunday. Even classic dengue – known as “bonebreak fever” spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes – can cause severe flu-like symptoms, excruciating joint pain, high fever, nausea and rashes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.
