RIYADH: The Health Ministry recorded 23 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS) during the 25 days of the current hijri month of Dhul Qaada, local media reported.
The ministry recorded the most cases — 13 — in Dumat Al-Jandal in the northwest, followed by Jeddah with three cases, Riyadh with two, and the rest in other parts of the Kingdom including Khamis Mushayt, Madinah and Hail.
Eight cases were due to infection acquired from a health facility, 12 from direct contact with camels, and three are still under investigation.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, an infection control consultant, advised people — particularly senior citizens — to take adequate precautions when visiting patients in hospital.
Between July 4 and Aug. 12, Saudi Arabia reported 26 cases of MERS.
Since June 2012, there have been 1,667 cases, including 680 deaths, in various parts of the Kingdom.
MERS is a viral respiratory disease that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
Saudi Health Ministry detects 23 cases of MERS
Saudi Health Ministry detects 23 cases of MERS
Stray animals cause 426 accidents, 5 deaths in 2025
- Govt says heavy fines for cutting road fencing
- Animal owners must use designated crossings
RIYADH: Stray animals have been the cause of 426 accidents, five deaths and 26 injuries on the Kingdom’s roads in 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The General Authority for Roads revealed the statistics to raise awareness about the dangers of people tampering with road fencing, the SPA reported recently.
It said the public must use designated camel crossings to protect lives and property.
The authority added that fencing and crossings are designed according to the highest standards to regulate the movement of animals.
It warned that deliberately cutting fencing was a criminal offence, with fines running up to SR50,000 ($13,000).
In addition, perpetrators will be responsible for the costs of repairing the damage.
The authority said measures are in place for camel crossings on single-lane roads or other unfenced routes.
Owners can coordinate with the call center at 938 to determine a suitable time for crossing, provided it is done all at once, during daylight hours, and in the presence of a road supervisor.
The authority urged camel owners to educate their workers about the regulations.
The Kingdom’s road network has 51 camel crossings and 3,056 km of fenced roads.
The authority said it is adhering to the standards of the International Road Safety Assessment Program.
The aim is sixth place globally in the quality index by 2030, and reduce fatalities to under five per 100,000 people.
