Saudi health statistics: Liver and dengue fever cases, and the Kingdom is free of plague
Recent official statistics issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health revealed the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom during the current year, as the data showed the detection of more than 14,000 cases of infection ranging between viral hepatitis and dengue fever, while the reports carried reassuring news that the Kingdom’s records are completely free of deadly epidemics such as plague and yellow fever.
Challenges of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B topped the list of infectious disease challenges, with health authorities recording 8,324 confirmed cases. The capital, Riyadh, had the highest number of cases with 1,807, followed by Jeddah with 1,540. This meticulous monitoring is part of the Kingdom's decades-long efforts to combat the virus. Saudi Arabia has implemented a rigorous national immunization program since 1989, which has contributed to reducing infection rates among younger generations. However, the reported cases underscore the importance of continued early detection and treatment.
Dengue fever and geographic concentration
Regarding vector-borne diseases, dengue fever was notably prevalent, with 6,003 cases. Data showed a clear geographical concentration of the disease in the western region, with Jeddah accounting for the largest share at 2,750 cases, followed by Mecca with 2,016 cases, and then Jazan with 437 cases. This geographical distribution is attributed to environmental and climatic factors in coastal areas, which provide a suitable breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. This necessitates intensified environmental sanitation and insect control efforts, particularly during the rainy season.
The Kingdom is free of serious epidemics
In a testament to the efficiency of the Kingdom's epidemiological surveillance and health security system, statistics confirm that Saudi Arabia is completely free of high-risk epidemics. No cases of plague, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, rhinotracheitis, or rabies have been recorded. This achievement holds significant strategic importance, given the Kingdom's status as a global destination that receives millions of pilgrims annually, thus underscoring the success of preventive measures and rigorous health controls at entry points and in cities.
Other health indicators
Regarding food safety, 2,286 cases of salmonella infection were reported, with Riyadh recording the highest number at 688. This highlights the ongoing need for monitoring food establishments and raising public awareness about food safety and storage. A limited number of typhoid fever cases (45) were also reported, half of which were concentrated in the Asir region, along with sporadic cases of hepatitis A and bacillary dysentery. All of these cases fall within the ranges that are controlled through primary healthcare.
This transparent data confirms the Ministry of Health’s commitment to accurately monitoring the epidemiological situation, which is a key pillar in the health sector transformation program within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing prevention against health risks.
