Nipah Virus Outbreak: After UAE, Saudi Arabia bans import of fruits, vegetables from Kerala

Saudi Arabia has banned imports of frozen and processed fruit and vegetable from Kerala in the wake of the outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV) in the state. Nipah virus has so far claimed 16 lives in Kerala. 

Late last month, another Gulf nation the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had banned imports from Kerala, soon after the outbreak was reported.

100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was denied entry into the UAE.

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) said in a statement that it has banned the imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala. Preliminary information, it added indicates that the main host of the disease is the fruit bat, where the virus is transmitted through secretions from the bat to the fruit that it feeds on or touches.

Mangoes, dates and bananas are the bat's most preferred fruit. There have been cases of transmission of the disease among humans and between humans and animals as well.

Brain damaging Nipah virus has lead to death of 16 people so far in the southern state.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said the spread of the Nipah virus has been controlled, but people should be alert.

"There is no alarming situation now. The spread of the virus has been controlled. But people should remain alert," he said.

The Chief Minister said wrong messages were being spread in the social media about the Nipah virus, scaring the people and this should end.

A total of 244 samples have been tested for the Nipah virus so far, of which 18 were positive and 226 negative. 

Around 2,000 people are under the observation of the Health Department. They are suspected to have come in contact with the infected persons.

(With PTI inputs)