INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
On May 29, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banned imports from Kerala
(Representational)Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has banned frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala
amid concerns over the deadly Nipah virus outbreak.The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis - a dangerous swelling of the brain - and
common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, the Gulf News reported on Monday.On
May 29, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banned imports from Kerala.UAE officials announced that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh
produce that was to be imported from Kerala was prohibited from entry.A UAE-based health provider, VPS Healthcare, sent a flight to the
Kerala government carrying medical supplies that will help the fight against Nipah.As of date, of the 18 positive cases, 16 have died and
the remaining two are recovering well at a Kozhikode hospital while the around 2,000 people, who have reported to have come in contact with
the affected, are being monitored.
