Nipah virus scare: Saudi Arabia bans import of fruits, vegetables from Kerala
Nipah virus
The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. Sixteen people have so far died from the virus in Kerala
Saudi Arabia has banned the import of frozen and processed fruits and vegetables from Kerala after the outbreak of the Nipah virus there, news reports said Tuesday.
The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala.
The Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — a dangerous swelling of the brain.
Symptoms of the virus vary from none to fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and confusion. This may worsen into a coma over a day or two.
The main host of the virus is said to be the fruit bat, with the virus passing from the bat to the fruits it touches.
The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans.
Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 16 have died while two are recovering well.
Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meanwhile said on Monday that the spread of the virus has been contained, but that people should continue to be alert.