Types of Variants Among Increased Cases of COVID-19 in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia in June 2021

Background The western region of Saudi Arabia is the most populous and diverse. This study aimed to identify the types and distribution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants causing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this region in June 2021. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. All genetically tested COVID-19 patients were included. We investigated the types, distribution, and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 variants among cases of COVID-19 in June 2021. We gathered patient demographic data, clinical profiles, and epidemiology data. Results Of 115 COVID-19 confirmed patients (mean age, 40 years), 56.5% were males and 43.5% were females. Of those vaccinated, 47.1% had received a one-dose vaccination; 52.9% had received two-dose vaccinations, and 23.6% were unvaccinated. Of those vaccinated, 72.1% had received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, and 16.5% had received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in most (87.8%) patients. Among those infected, 28.8% reported contact with another COVID-19 case, and 19.8% reported a travel history. Most cases (68.6%) were moderate, 99.4% of patients recovered, and one patient died from COVID-19. Conclusion Most of the cases were primary infections, and the Delta variant was predominant and highly transmissible. Most COVID-19 patients were mild to moderately ill. A better understanding of the transmission and diagnosis of these variants will help in early detection and reduction of infection by application of the best preventive measures.