Emiratis in India warned of deadly virus

Outbreak of Nipah virus has killed at least nine in India

A virus mainly carried by fruit bats which has spread across Asian nations. Sam Panthaky / AFP 

Emiratis in Kerala have been warned about a deadly virus that's killed several people.

An outbreak of the rare Nipah virus in the south Indian state has also put scores more in hospital.

Now the UAE consulate in Kerala has urged Emirati citizens there to take care and follow local safety guidelines.

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

"Health department is doing everything possible to save the lives of the infected & prevent the advance of virus," his office said on Twitter.

The virus is most commonly hosted by fruit bats which jumps to humans, while it can also be passed from human to human.  
The mortality rate can reach as high as 70 per cent, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no vaccine for either humans or animals. Most human cases are dealt with through supportive care.

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

It's 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 sign up for this service on www.mofa.gov.ae and can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 80044444 in case of emergency.

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Deadly Nipah virus triggers health alert in India's Kerala state