Statistics on infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia 2024: 31,000 cases detected
Recent official data from the Saudi Arabian health system revealed that 30,973 cases of infectious diseases were detected during 2024. This announcement is the culmination of comprehensive and accurate epidemiological surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health branches across the Kingdom, aimed at tracking health patterns and ensuring immediate preventive and therapeutic intervention to protect the community from potential health risks.
These figures, which are close to 31,000 cases, reflect the efficiency of the epidemiological surveillance system and the vigilance of the medical staff in the Kingdom, and come in the context of the health transformation that the country is witnessing within the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses mainly on promoting public health and preventing diseases before they occur, through the development of early warning systems and rapid response to epidemics.
Most common diseases and their distribution
Statistics show that hepatitis B topped the list of the most prevalent and reported diseases nationally, with 8,324 confirmed cases, highlighting the importance of national screening and vaccination programs. Dengue fever came in second with 6,003 cases, indicating the continued intensive efforts to control disease vectors, particularly in coastal areas and environments requiring ongoing environmental intervention.
In third place was chickenpox with 3,624 cases, followed by brucellosis with 3,146 cases. This diversity in reported cases underscores the Ministry's ability to manage a wide range of epidemiological challenges, whether viral or bacterial, and to allocate the necessary medical resources to each case.
Geographical distribution: Jeddah and Riyadh are at the forefront
In terms of geographical distribution, Jeddah Governorate topped the list of cities and regions in the number of reported cases, with a total of 5,621. This figure reflects the intensity of health monitoring in the coastal governorate and its significant population and commercial activity. The capital, Riyadh, came in a close second, with public health teams recording 5,128 infectious cases that were handled according to approved medical protocols.
The Ministry's branch in Mecca recorded a significant number of cases, with 3,398, reflecting the continuous and massive influx of visitors and pilgrims. This necessitates strict health monitoring to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents. Meanwhile, the Jazan region recorded 1,405 cases, and Hafr Al-Batin governorate registered the lowest number in the Kingdom, with only 16 cases.
Monitoring details in the Eastern Region
The Eastern Province emerged as one of the most active and meticulous regions in epidemiological investigation, documenting 3,465 cases encompassing a wide range of diseases. Health teams there identified 1,363 cases of various types of hepatitis, including 694 cases of type B, 470 cases of type C (antibodies), and one rare case of type D.
The Eastern Province report also documented 1,110 cases of chickenpox and 583 cases of salmonella, in addition to closely monitoring 36 cases of dengue fever and 83 cases of brucellosis. The surveillance system also recorded less common but more serious cases, including two cases of meningococcal disease, 13 cases of measles, and 81 cases of pertussis (whooping cough).
The importance and impact of epidemiological surveillance
This data is of paramount importance, extending far beyond the local level, as Saudi Arabia is a global crossroads and a major hub for human movement, particularly during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Therefore, the strength of the Saudi epidemiological surveillance system and the transparency of its data contribute to enhancing regional and international health security, and underscore the Kingdom's commitment to global health standards in combating communicable diseases.
The data concluded by confirming the detection of 2,988 cases of hepatitis C (antibodies) across the Kingdom as a whole, which reinforces the efforts of the National Program to Eliminate Hepatitis Viruses, and confirms the continued diligent work to achieve a healthy and safe society.
