The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has advised officials of airlines, airports and seaports to watch out for passengers exhibiting symptoms of Nipah virus (NiV).

In a circular issued to all local authorities, airports, airlines, private and public hospitals, the ministry outlined measures to be taken to protect the UAE from the communicable virus that has claimed 14 lives in the south Indian state of Kerala since its outbreak.

The circular has also been distributed to all airlines coming directly from Kerala to the UAE, according to a top official. "If they (airline officials) suspect any case with symptoms, it has to be isolated immediately," said Dr Fatma Al Attar, director of international health regulations at the ministry.

Symptoms of the infection include fever, breathing trouble, headache, drowsiness, disorientation and delirium.

Last week, the ministry had urged residents to put off travel to Kerala "unless absolutely necessary". Several residents Khaleej Times spoke to also said they had put off their travel plans due to the virus scare.

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