The Nipah virus is a dangerous infectious agent, with a high mortality rate, and there are currently no vaccines or specific treatments. Faced with the epidemic situation in some countries, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health is strengthening surveillance measures, proactively preventing and controlling epidemics to protect public health.
Nipah virus disease: Risks that cannot be subjective
The Nipah virus was first discovered in 1999 in Malaysia. By 2001, the disease caused by the Nipah virus was first recorded in humans in Bangladesh and then continued to appear in India.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease caused by the Nipah virus is usually only sporadically recorded on a small scale in some countries, and large outbreaks have not yet formed. However, this is a particularly dangerous infectious disease due to its high mortality rate, ranging from about 40-75% in hospitalizations. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for both humans and animals.
India records suspected Nipah case, Vietnam has no case
According to the infectious disease surveillance system, from December 27, 2025 to January 26, 2026, India recorded 5 suspected cases of Nipah virus infection, including 2 confirmed cases, at a hospital in West Bengal state.
The Nipah virus is classified as a particularly dangerous infectious disease group (group A). The disease is mainly transmitted from animals to humans, of which fruit bats are identified as the main natural reservoirs in India. In addition, the disease can be transmitted through food, objects infected with the virus and from humans to humans through direct contact with secretions and excretes of patients.
The incubation period usually lasts from 4-14 days. People infected with the virus 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, which can lead to acute encephalitis.
As of January 26, 2026, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Nipah virus infection.
Ministry of Health proactively strengthens surveillance and epidemic prevention
Faced with the risk of disease invasion, the Ministry of Health has directed localities to strengthen surveillance and disease prevention right from border gates, medical facilities and in the community; and at the same time, be ready with response plans when situations arise.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation, coordinate with WHO and countries around the world to promptly direct and implement appropriate and effective epidemic prevention and control measures, ensuring health safety for people.
To proactively prevent Nipah virus disease, the Ministry of Health recommends that people limit going to areas with Nipah virus epidemics if not really necessary.
People need to self-monitor their health within 14 days from returning from the epidemic area. When symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or convulsions appear, they need to immediately contact the nearest medical facility, limit contact with others and clearly notify medical staff of epidemiological history.
Ensure food safety and hygiene, implement "eat cooked, drink boiled"; wash and peel fruits before eating; do not use fruits showing signs of being bitten or gnawed by animals (cats, birds); avoid drinking raw or unprocessed tree sap such as palm sap, coconut sap.
Do not come into close contact with highly infectious animals, especially fruit bats; wash your hands regularly with soap or antiseptic solution after slaughtering or contact with animals.
Limit direct contact with patients or contaminated items; use full masks, gloves and personal protective gear when caring for and treating suspected or sick people, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
