However, there were 69 cases of dengue, a debilitating viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, over the last fortnight which the Jeddah governorate said was normal this time of the year.

The governorate told Arab News this success was down to the supervision of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed over the directorate general of health affairs, the municipality and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The statement said the number of cases registered until the end of the 14th week this year was 238, over 50 percent less than the same period last year, which saw 491 cases. This was despite the heavy rain that fell in Jeddah in January.

Jeddah’s winter months are characterized by lower temperatures and precipitation which cause seasonal increases in disease-spreading mosquitoes. The floods of Jan. 26 also helped to increase the amount of standing water in the city.