Following the outbreak of the Nipah virus in the southern part of India, particularly Kerala, the UAE, as part of preventive measures, has banned the import of fruits and vegetables from the state.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has issued circulars to local food authorities in all emirates to prevent entry of all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala.
As many as 14 people have died in Kerala, and several are recovering in hospital, after the outbreak of Nipah virus in the state early last week.
The decision is based on the information received and published on the World Health Organisation website. Preliminary information 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.
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