Should Saudi Arabia be worried about monkeypox?

Thermal-imaging cameras have remained at Saudi airports after the COVID-19 pandemic to act as a first line of defense against monkeypox. Below: Blisters are a symptom of infection. (SPA)
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Updated 07 August 2022
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Should Saudi Arabia be worried about monkeypox?

  • Kingdom well placed to head off health threat thanks to successful policy responses to MERS and COVID-19 outbreaks
  • It has the advantage of effective surveillance, containment and preventive strategies and low transmission rate

JEDDAH: Health officials in Europe and the Americas are raising the alarm over the spread of monkeypox, with many declaring the outbreak a public-health emergency.

In Saudi Arabia, by contrast, where just three cases have been confirmed, the response has been more muted.

Saudi experts say there are several reasons for the Kingdom’s restrained approach, including the presence of well-established surveillance, detection and preventative measures resulting from its handling of previous infectious-disease outbreaks, and the extremely low transmission rate seen in the region.

“We know that especially in the Gulf region and in Saudi Arabia, there have been many efforts to document increasing cases and implement rigorous methods for detecting them, making sure that the right preventative and curative measures are in place to prevent the spread of monkeypox, as well as treating it right away from a medical standpoint,” Dr. Nawaf Albali, a Saudi physician, told Arab News.

“Countries have to implement the proper monitoring and surveillance standards on the borders and increase screening, increase diagnostic capabilities within and beyond borders.”

Once a relatively rare disease, monkeypox has been present in a handful of central and west African countries since the 1970s, with occasional outbreaks of no more than 100 cases over the past four decades. 

People with the illness tend to develop a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus, and on other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. It can initially look like pimples or blisters, and may be painful or itchy. 

Other symptoms can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backache, headaches, a sore throat, nasal congestion or a cough.

These symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the monkeypox virus, and will typically last two to four weeks.  

Authorities have detected dozens of cases across Europe, North America and beyond since May, breaking the 28,000-case mark worldwide.




Symptoms of the self-limiting disease typically last from two to four weeks. (Shutterstock)

The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency on July 23. To date, there have been at least 75 suspected monkeypox deaths in Africa, mainly in Nigeria and Congo.

On July 29, Brazil and Spain both reported deaths linked to monkeypox, the first reported outside Africa. Spain reported a second death the next day, and India reported its first on Aug. 1.

Just three cases of monkeypox have been detected in Saudi Arabia, among passengers returning from Europe.

Regionally, the UAE has 16 confirmed cases and Qatar has two — indicative of a much slower spread compared to other parts of the world.

Monkeypox is transmitted when a person comes into contact with the eponymous virus from an animal, human or contaminated material.

It often spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and many, though not all, cases have been through physical relations between men.

“The way it spreads is either through skin-to-skin contact, or through contact with certain body fluids, for example sweat, or exposure to sensitive parts in the body like the genitals or private parts,” said Albali. 

“This type of contact and this kind of intimate contact aren’t that common (in the Gulf). It doesn’t mean that they’re not there, but they’re not as common.”




Health officials in Europe and the Americas are raising the alarm over the spread of monkeypox. (AFP)

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Angari, assistant professor of epidemiology at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, said although the WHO has declared monkeypox a public-health emergency of international concern, it is not yet a pandemic.

“The rate of infection is slow and limited considering the transmission pathways of the virus,” he told Arab News. 

To calculate an odds ratio (a statistic that quantifies the strength of the association between two events), a sufficient number of cases needs to be considered. To date, there have been too few cases in the Kingdom to draw conclusions. 

“More detailed information about the cases such as survey investigation (demographic data, history, practices, traveling information etc.) is needed,” said Al-Angari. 

Saudi Arabia and several other countries have taken necessary steps to gather such real-time data and prevent the spread — lessons that were learned from previous viral outbreaks.

In 2012, the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by the MERS coronavirus was identified in Saudi Arabia.

Studies have shown that humans are infected through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, but the exact transmission route remains unclear. 

The experience prompted the Kingdom to develop detection and containment strategies and infrastructure, which swung into action in 2020 when COVID-19 emerged.




Registered pharmacist Sapna Patel demonstrates the preparation of a dose of the monkeypox vaccine at a pop-up vaccination clinic. (AFP)

The Ministry of Health launched a command-and-control center, and accelerated the establishment of the Saudi Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Our experience with MERS-CoV was painful and peculiar in our region, and between 2013 and 2015, health authorities understood the magnitude of disease prevention, lockdowns, closing of markets and certain commercial activities related to camels,” said Albali.

“So we understand the effectiveness of early intervention when it comes to disease control. We’ve developed that kind of capability and the sense of urgency around the world health system.”

Reiterating the importance of early detection and documenting cases, Al-Angari said: “The global health systems developed critically after the recent pandemic in data collection, surveillance and tracking systems. 

“With this, contact tracing is a must to prevent the upcoming introduction of the virus to new populations.

“Although it might not be necessary now, using systems such as the Tawakkalna app might be considered at some point.”

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority developed Tawakkalna to support the government’s efforts to confront COVID-19 by managing the process of granting permits for leaving home during the lockdown phase, which helped limit the spread of the virus. 

In June, the app received the UN Public Service Award 2022 for institutional resilience and innovative responses to the pandemic.




The Kingdom understands the effectiveness of early intervention when it comes to disease control, according to Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Angari, assistant professor of epidemiology at KSAU-HS. (Supplied)

With travel demand skyrocketing after the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, Al-Angari underscored the importance of monitoring points of entry. 

“Since the (monkeypox) virus is transmitted from human to human, all necessary arrangements should be implemented,” he said.

“Activation of thermal cameras is necessary at all times, not only for this disease but for all future ones, and random health screening of people who are in contact with animals on a regular basis is important to prevent zoonotic diseases.”

Just like the early days of COVID-19, infrared cameras placed at airport arrival halls are an integral part of the syndromic surveillance process — a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting health-related data to provide an early warning of health threats.

“Once a camera detects one of the symptoms of the illness (such as elevated body temperature), the case is isolated at the airport, and as part of Saudi Arabia’s preventive measures, other individuals that could’ve potentially been exposed to the case must also be tested,” said Albali.

“That’s how the cases were detected, and an investigation was launched after, with no other cases detected to date.”

Beyond surveillance, according to Albali, health authorities must provide sufficient information and guidelines for travelers heading to countries considered monkeypox hotspots.

“The main lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is a heightened community awareness about the virus and how to protect themselves,” he said.

“The same rule of thumb now applies to this current outbreak, even though it’s barely made a mark on our shores in Saudi Arabia, and with the transparent communication strategy by health authorities, the level of awareness will continue to increase and further protect the community from future outbreaks.” 

Monkeypox immunization programs have been launched in the US, the UK, Denmark, Spain, Germany, France and Canada among other countries. However, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to launch a vaccine rollout unless it becomes necessary for the purpose of protecting the most vulnerable, such as children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.

Although monkeypox in most cases has no complications, the Saudi Ministry of Health told Arab News that the vaccine is available as a precautionary measure and is given only to people who are at higher risk for infection because they have had contact with confirmed cases.

“Vaccines can be implemented,” said epidemiologist Al-Angari with the caveat that distribution on a mass community level is unlikely to happen in the Kingdom because monkeypox “isn’t a current threat, at least (not) in this region.”

 

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Saudi Arabia ready to host Art Week Riyadh

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia ready to host Art Week Riyadh

  • Held under the theme “At The Edge”, the inaugural edition will unfold across key cultural venues in the capital

RIYADH: The Visual Arts Commission is preparing for the launch of the first-ever Art Week Riyadh, a week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, which starts on Sunday and runs until April 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held under the theme “At The Edge”, the inaugural edition will unfold across key cultural venues in the capital, including the JAX District and the Al-Mousa Center.

The event will bring together leading local, regional, and international galleries, artists, institutions, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

The flagship exhibition will showcase works from more than 45 galleries, exploring cultural dialogues between Saudi Arabia, the wider Middle East, and the global contemporary art landscape.

The exhibition will be curated around three themes — Everyday Life, Landscapes, and Motifs — highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation in Saudi visual culture.

Al-Mousa Center, now a thriving arts hub, will host over 15 specially curated exhibitions, while the JAX District will also present Collections in Dialogue — a trio of exhibitions developed with leading cultural institutions and private collectors.

In addition to exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will feature a series of talks and workshops tackling contemporary issues in the visual arts across the Kingdom and beyond.

AAccording to the Visual Arts Commission, the initiative aims to cultivate a dynamic and collaborative art environment, while honoring Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage and its evolving creative future.


‘Bahr’ play brings maritime heritage to Baha in Theater Tour initiative

Updated 05 April 2025
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‘Bahr’ play brings maritime heritage to Baha in Theater Tour initiative

  • Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the event attracted a large audience for the award-winning play “Bahr” (Sea)

RIYADH: The three-day Theater Tour initiative ended on Saturday at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Theater in Baha, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the event attracted a large audience for the award-winning play “Bahr” (Sea).

Inspired by maritime heritage, “Bahr” explores the traditions of sailors’ lives, particularly diving and pearl hunting.

The production is part of the commission’s strategy to promote culture across the Kingdom, according to the SPA.

Nasser Al-Qasabi, chairman of the commission, thanked the governor of Baha for supporting the initiative and providing the resources for its launch in the region.

The Theater Tour initiative brings exceptional performances to cities, governorates and villages throughout the Kingdom. The first phase features “Bahr,” running from April 3 to May 3.

The production debuted in Baha from April 3-5. It now moves to Jubail from April 17-19, Dammam from April 24-26 and concludes in Al-Ahsa from May 1-3.

The project aims to raise awareness of theater, increase access to cultural services in underserved areas and support local theater groups.

Written by Abdulrahman Al-Marikhi and directed by Sultan Al-Nawa, “Bahr” has won several awards, including best actor, best script and best overall production at the Riyadh Theater Festival, as well as best musical effects and best director at the 19th Gulf Theater Festival.


New initiative turns road trips into cultural journeys

Updated 05 April 2025
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New initiative turns road trips into cultural journeys

  • Signage across highways introduces travelers to the Kingdom’s diverse traditional crafts, arts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts — also known as Wrth — have launched an initiative called Wrth Saudi, which features signage on highways across the Kingdom marking significant locations connected with national crafts.

This initiative comes in what has been designated the Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia. The first phase of Wrth Saudi will cover three highways: the Riyadh-Dammam Highway, the Makkah-Madinah Highway, and the Riyadh–Qassim Expressway, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Subsequent phases will extend the initiative to other vital roads throughout the country, the SPA added.

Wrth Saudi will showcase traditional regional arts such as Najdi door craftsmanship, mud construction, carpentry, wood carvings, and bisht making.

“Saudi Arabia’s vast road network, the largest in the world in terms of connectivity, serves as a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and showcase its crafts,” the SPA reported.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts plays a key role in promoting Saudi traditional arts locally and internationally, supporting local artisans, and encouraging the teaching and development of these crafts.

Earlier this year, the institute also launched the Wrth Community program to raise awareness of Saudi traditional arts and cultural heritage while “empowering individuals to learn and develop these crafts locally and globally.”

The program featured discussion sessions with academics, artisans, trainers, and entrepreneurs, along with workshops. Activities focused on four key materials used in Saudi traditional arts: stone, wood, ceramics, and metals.

The Ministry of Culture designated 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts to “solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life,” according to the SPA.

Throughout 2025, the Ministry of Culture will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.


Muslim World League condemns Israeli strikes on Saudi cultural center, school in Gaza

Updated 05 April 2025
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Muslim World League condemns Israeli strikes on Saudi cultural center, school in Gaza

  • Deadly attacks that killed, injured dozens described as ‘horrific crimes against civilians and civilian facilities’
  • MWL chief calls for urgent international action over what he says are war crimes

RIYADH: The Muslim World League has condemned Israeli airstrikes that hit a Saudi cultural facility and a school in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as Israel resumed military operations following the collapse of a temporary truce with Hamas.

In a statement carried on the Saudi Press Agency on Friday, MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the targeting of the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage’s warehouse, which destroyed medical supplies intended for the sick and wounded in Gaza.

He also condemned the strike on Dar Al-Arqam School, which reportedly killed and injured dozens, describing the attacks as “horrific crimes against civilians and civilian facilities.”

Al-Issa said: “These acts represent a flagrant violation of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.” 

He called on the international community to take urgent action, and urged global bodies to activate accountability mechanisms and hold perpetrators responsible for what he described as war crimes.

The condemnation comes amid renewed violence in Gaza since March, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israel has resumed its bombardment of the enclave, saying it is targeting militant infrastructure, while humanitarian agencies have warned of deepening crises and mounting civilian casualties.


Kingdom arrests 18,407 illegals in one week

Updated 05 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 18,407 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,407 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,995 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,512 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,900 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,260 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 66 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent Yemeni, and 6 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 67 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 21 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.