Morocco and Saudi Arabia Face Rising Summer Food Poisoning and Kidney Stone Risks

Health professionals warn that the high temperatures and humidity of summer create ideal conditions for bacterial, viral and fungal growth in food. In Morocco, experts say leaving cooked or perishable food unrefrigerated, consuming expired items, insufficient washing of produce, and poor hand‑hygiene increase the chance of food‑borne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fever, with children, the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals most vulnerable. Preventive measures stress immediate refrigeration, thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, proper storage of leftovers and regular hand washing.

In Saudi Arabia, urologists note a surge in kidney‑stone cases during the hot months because dehydration concentrates minerals in urine. Risk factors include inadequate water intake, high‑salt diets, excessive protein or calcium supplements, and a history of stones. Warning signs are severe flank pain, blood in urine, frequent urgent urination, nausea, fever and vomiting. Doctors advise drinking 2–3 litres of water daily, reducing salty and processed foods, and seeking emergency care if pain worsens, fever develops, or urine output drops.

Both countries urge the public to adopt these simple hydration and hygiene practices to minimise summer‑related health emergencies.