Khaberni - Adel Balbisi, the head of the National Center for Epidemic Control and Infectious Diseases, confirmed that the epidemiological situation in the kingdom is normal and there is no cause for concern, emphasizing that the call to wear masks is educational and carries no implication of an epidemiological risk.
Balbisi revealed in an interview with Al Mamlaka, the results of an analytical study of Ministry of Health data on virus spread for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The results of the study show that there are differences in the spread of common viruses, influenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and corona, during the mentioned period, indicating that influenza and RSV intensify in week 50 of each year (the last two weeks of the year) and continue for a few weeks into the following year, while corona spreads erratically throughout the year at low rates ranging between 2% and 3%.
Balbisi said that the cases of corona are individual, confirming that they are within the normal rates according to studies and graphical analyses.
He added, stating that "the center conducted 4,000 PCR tests to detect corona; the result of infection was 2%", noting that those infected do not undergo testing.
He clarified that the results showed 1% of those tested were infected with influenza from the volume of tests, and 3.5% with RSV, explaining that the symptoms of infection are similar.
Balbisi advises against the overuse of antibiotics and calls for taking the flu vaccine
With similar symptoms, Balbisi called for the necessity of not overusing antibiotics, directing his call to emergency room doctors, pharmacists, and citizens.
The head of the National Center for Epidemics calls for the necessity of getting the flu vaccine during this period, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immune deficiencies, those with chronic diseases, and medical staff.
He continued, saying that getting the flu vaccine for the aforementioned groups should be "almost mandatory".
Balbisi: "Khaberni" calls for wearing masks are educational and carry no implication of an epidemiological risk.
Balbisi emphasized that the center's repeated calls to wear masks are part of awareness spreading and empower the community health-wise, and they carry no implied risk of an impending epidemic.
Balbisi listed a set of guidelines during this period that citizens should adhere to, such as wearing masks in closed and crowded places and by those with symptomatic illnesses, in addition to washing hands well, following dietary behaviors that boost immunity, and playing sports.
He reiterated the necessity of not resorting to antibiotics excessively, noting that there is no harm from pain relievers and fever-reducing medications.
Balbisi: No correlation between the delay of the rainy season and the spread of viruses
Regarding the prevalent idea that links the spread of viruses to the delay of the rainy season, Balbisi confirmed that there is no relationship between the delay of the rainy season and the spread of viruses, explaining that conditions of delayed rain lead to increased virus spread and increased allergy symptoms.
He indicated that the beginning of the rainy season will not limit the spread of viruses, explaining that according to the mentioned analytical study, the peak of infections with viral diseases will be in week 50 of the current year and will extend to the first few weeks of the coming year.
