Nipah Virus Issue: UAE Puts a Temporary Ban on Imports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables from Kerala

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put a ban on import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala following the outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV) in the state.

This was said by the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in a statement.

The ministry said a circular has been issued to the concerned local authorities including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah to prevent the entry of all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala.

It added that the decision is based on the information received and published on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website regarding the outbreak of NiV infection in 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.

Nipah virus has lead to death of over 10 people so far in Kerala.