Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has prohibited frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala in the course of concerns over the deadly and rare Nipah virus outbreak as Zee news reported.

Worth mention here this deadly and rare Nipah virus claimed As many as 16 lives in Kerala due to the outbreak of the virus in May.

It is noted that as a precautionary measure, colleges, and other educational institutions in Kozhikode have been asked to remain shut down till June 12.

The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis  which includes a dangerous swelling of the brain, Symptoms may also include headache, fever, confusion, a stiff neck, and vomiting.

Common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, as the Gulf News reported on Monday.

 It is noted that On May 29, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banned imports from Kerala.

UAE officials declared that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was banned from entry.

Apart from this in a positive move A UAE-based health provider, VPS Healthcare, sent a flight to the Kerala government carrying medical supplies that will assist the fight against Nipah.

Till the time the 18 positive cases of Nipah were reported while 16 have died and the remaining two are recovering well at a Kozhikode hospital. Around 2,000 people, who have reported to have come in contact with the affected, are being monitored.