Faced with the risk of disease caused by the Nipah virus entering and spreading in Vietnam, on the evening of January 27, the Ministry of Health issued a document requesting medical examination and treatment facilities nationwide to strengthen proactive measures to prevent and control this dangerous epidemic.
According to the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health), the disease caused by the Nipah virus is an infectious disease of group A, with a high mortality rate, ranging from 40-75%. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment drug for the disease. The Nipah virus is mainly transmitted from animals to humans or through contact with food and contaminated items; and can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with secretions and excretes of patients.
The incubation period of the Nipah virus is usually from 4 to 14 days. Infected people may experience initial symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat; then progress severely with symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, consciousness disorders and serious neurological signs, indicating acute encephalitis.
Notably, according to the infectious disease surveillance system, in the period from December 27, 2025 to January 26, 2026, India recorded 5 cases suspected of contracting the Nipah virus, including 2 cases tested and confirmed at a hospital in West Bengal state. This development increases the risk of disease entering Vietnam through international exchanges and travel.
Implementing the direction of the leaders of the Ministry of Health, in order to proactively prevent and control diseases caused by the Nipah virus, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management requests hospitals under the Ministry of Health, ministries, sectors and Departments of Health of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct medical examination and treatment facilities to strengthen disease prevention and control; strictly implement personal protective measures for medical staff and people who are in close contact with suspected or confirmed cases of illness, especially paying attention to cases that have just arrived or returned from countries that have or are experiencing epidemics within 14 days.
Promote the implementation, inspection and supervision of infection control at medical examination and treatment facilities; strictly isolate all suspected or determined cases of Nipah virus right at treatment facilities.
Regularly monitor and update information about the epidemic situation in the world; strengthen communication so that people fully and accurately grasp the situation, avoid psychological confusion and anxiety, and proactively implement disease prevention measures.
Early detection of suspected cases of illness to promptly isolate, diagnose, treat and control, and prevent epidemics from spreading in the community.
The Ministry of Health requests units to seriously implement the above-mentioned contents to ensure safety for people and the health system, ready to effectively respond to the risk of Nipah virus disease.
