RESUMO
Dengue fever resurged sharply in Jeddah in 2004 and rose to 1308 cases in 2006. This case-control study determined factors potentiating the spread of the disease to provide an epidemiological baseline to help dengue control. All [650] suspected cases of dengue in Jeddah in 2007 were eligible for inclusion. Cases were those confirmed with dengue by laboratory investigations [n = 244] and controls those confirmed negative [n = 406]. Of these, 129 cases and 240 controls could be contacted and were included in the study. Variables found significant in the bivariate analysis were included in a logistic regression analysis. The presence of stagnant water in indoor drainage holes [OR = 4.9], indoor larvae [OR = 2.2], nearby construction sites [OR = 2.2], and older age [OR = 1.2] were independent determinants of dengue infection [P< 0.01 for all]. Face-to-face health education significantly decreased the risk of dengue infection. Efforts are needed to control the modifiable factors identified in this study with emphasis on health education