Healthcare | Wednesday 18 January, 2017 1:10 am |

In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health, the Saudi Society of Clinical Microbiology organizes the Dengue Virus Infection workshop, in collaboration with various healthcare companies including Sanofi Pasteur, the workshop addressed the needs of health care professionals, particularly physicians, and clinical microbiologists, researchers, and pharmacists specialized in infectious diseases in the field of dengue fever.

“It is important for the scientific community to understand the methods of the treatment and management of dengue virus in the region, importance of educating the medical staff and the public for the risk factors in spreading the infection in the community” Said Dr. Nezar Bahabri the head of the Saudi Society for Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases  “ adopting an effective infection control measurements and preventions of the Virus Infection and conducting a strong strategic plan for prevention the Dengue infection is a part of the working dengue group objective. It is worth to mention that the number of reported dengue cases in the period from 2013 to 2015 were 9095 cases, based in the labs confirmed reports. “

Commenting on the specify of dengue in Saudi Arabia said Dr. Naeema Akbar , Consultant Preventive Medicine “There are various factors contributing to the increase of dengue cases and its conceivable reemergence including the increase of breeding sites, continual population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, poverty, inadequate environmental management, change of climate and alteration of geographical distribution of pathogens and vectors. Dengue incidence is higher among males (75%) compared to 25% amongst females. The vast majority of cases of the disease happen to labors.”

Dr. Rajaa Mohammad Al-Raddadi ,Consultant Preventive Medicine, Vice president, Saudi Epidemiology Association as commented on the future of dengue “there are 2 studies to further understand the dengue in Saudi Arabia: “Dengue fever seroprevalence” and “Economic Burden of Dengue fever ”. The findings of the 2 studies are expected to be published by 2017. On the other hand, Dengue vaccine registration has submission in 26 countries, and only 11 countries have obtained the license. “