The death of an academic of the Education College at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah has raised fears among employees and students that dengue fever is to blame. Informed sources said that the female university professor suffered from fever. She went to hospital where doctors allegedly said she had developed symptoms of the viral disease. Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the intensive care unit at a private hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Wednesday. Other sources claimed the professor was suffering from heart problems, which caused her death. Three female employees at the women's college developed symptoms of dengue fever, according to the sources. They went to hospital and have not returned to work yet. Sources have also confirmed that the college sent a letter to the university administration explaining the potential danger of mosquitoes in the corridors, offices, and classrooms of the college. The university administration has not taken any action so far, the sources claimed. An employee at the college said that she had contracted the disease and remained in bed for 20 days. When she returned to work two days ago she developed some complications, so she decided to remain at home until her condition improves. Meanwhile, an awareness campaign on dengue fever was launched Wednesday in Jizan, entitled “Fighting dengue fever is everyone's responsibility”. Prince Muhammad Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz, the Emir of Jizan, kicked off the campaign. He also launched malaria stations in Al-Darb, Baish, Sabya, Huroob and Al-Aidabi, which is part of the health department's strategy. Dr. Ahmad Bin Muhammad Al-Sahli, Assistant Director of Health Affairs for Primary Health care in Jizan, said the dengue fever campaign includes 15 field teams tasked with distributing publications and another 140 teams for spreading awareness at schools, markets and clubs. Al-Sahli said 156 cases of dengue fever were reported in Jizan up until the end of April. Of this total, 78 cases were found in Samta and another 78 cases in Jizan.
