Emiratis in Kerala given warning over deadly virus

Emiratis in Kerala have been warned about a deadly virus that has killed several people in the south Indian state.

An outbreak of the rare nipah virus has also put scores in hospital, prompting the UAE consulate in Kerala to urge Emiratis there to follow local safety guidelines.

On Sunday, the state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to stay vigilant and follow instructions from the health department.

“The health department is doing everything possible to save the lives of the infected and prevent the advance of virus,” his office said on Twitter.

The virus, which can lead to encephalitis, or brain inflammation, is most commonly hosted by fruit bats and jumps to humans who have direct or indirect contact with them. It can also be passed from human to human.

The mortality rate can be as high as 70 per cent and the World Health Organisation reports there is no vaccine.

Symptoms of the infection, which was first identified in 1999, include headaches, fever, respiratory illness and drowsiness.

It is believed that a nurse treating the victims in Kerala has also died.

Emiratis, meanwhile, have also been urged to sign up for the Twajudi service, which allows UAE missions abroad to contact them in case of emergency.

People can enrol for this service on mofa.gov.ae and can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation at 80044444 in case of emergency.