Title : Mapping covid–19 infections and fatality in Saudi Arabia: An exploration
Abstract:
Aims: Geospatial mapping techniques can be creatively utilized to consolidate and describe events sequentially, especially in instances of epidemics like COVID-19. Saudi Arabia was seriously affected by this epidemic across its 13 administrative areas, beginning in March 2020 and ending in May 2023. This research, utilizing mapping as a tool, explores the spread of disease over the period, illustrating its locational spread, geographic variations, prevalence, and burden.
Methods: This research utilized daily reports published by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Analyses were carried out by dividing the infections into three periods 2000-2021; 2021-2022; and 2022-2023 for exploratory purposes. Analyzed data were then transferred to maps for visual presentations. They are presented in six panels of varying interpretations.
Results: During this period, 205 locations in the country were affected, with fewer cases in the first year, a wider spread in the second year, and subsidence in the third year. Although this pattern holds for infections, fatality continued beyond the period, as an aftereffect.
Conclusions: Severe prolonged infections and fatalities were observed in smaller administrative areas, especially in the southwestern regions, comprising Jazan, Najran, Aseer, and Al-Baha. Analyzing data using mapping is crucial for understanding the real picture of the rise and fall of COVID-19 infections, which is instrumental in planning and implementing precautions and control measures in similar epidemic and disaster situations.
