The demand for rambutan fruit in the Malabar district has plummeted after reports that a 12-year-old boy, who died due to Nipah, had consumed rambutan contaminated by a bat. This speculation severely affected the wholesale and retail fruit business in the district. The state Health Ministry has assured that there is no problem in consuming the fruit, if it is not contaminated.
Much of the rambutan arrives at Palayam market from Wayanad and Ernakulam. The fruit is also brought in locally from nearby areas of Kozhikode.
Health professionals have come forward to share the necessary precautionary measures to be taken to avoid getting infected. "Care should be taken to avoid eating fruits which are bitten by bats or fallen down. Wash fruits thoroughly before consuming. This will help eliminate the virus,” said Dr Jayakrishnan, Professor of Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode.
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
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