Vietnam steps up preventive measures amid regional Nipah virus concerns

In a recent directive, the ministry called for enhanced surveillance and stricter infection prevention and control measures at medical facilities nationwide to guard against the highly dangerous disease.

Regional cases raise vigilance

Surveillance data show that between December 27, 2025 and January 26, 2026, India recorded five suspected Nipah virus cases, including two laboratory-confirmed infections, at a hospital in West Bengal State.

The developments have heightened concerns among Vietnamese health authorities over the risk of cross-border transmission.

According to the ministry’s Department of Medical Services Administration, Nipah virus disease is classified as a particularly dangerous Group A infectious disease, with a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment.

The virus is primarily transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming food or products contaminated with the virus.

Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact with bodily fluids or secretions from infected patients.

The incubation period typically ranges from four to 14 days.

Early symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat, and can later progress to neurological problems such as dizziness, drowsiness and altered consciousness, and in severe cases, life-threatening acute encephalitis.

Hospitals ordered to tighten infection control

In response to the potential risk of the virus spreading to Vietnam, the Department of Medical Services Administration has urged healthcare facilities to proactively implement disease prevention and control measures.

Hospitals have been instructed to reinforce infection prevention practices and ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and close contacts of suspected or confirmed cases.

They are also required to closely monitor patients who have entered Vietnam from affected countries within the past 14 days.

Medical facilities are also required to tighten infection control procedures, step up supervision and inspections, and strictly isolate all suspected or confirmed Nipah virus cases during treatment.

Early detection is emphasized to enable timely isolation, diagnosis and treatment, as well as effective control of potential community transmission.

Earlier, the ministry’s Department of Disease Prevention instructed local authorities to strengthen health surveillance at border gates and required healthcare facilities to prepare treatment plans and response capacity.

The ministry said it will continue to closely monitor domestic and international developments and coordinate with the World Health Organization and relevant countries to ensure timely and effective prevention efforts.

Measures against Nipah virus disease

To reduce the risk of infection, the ministry has advised the public to avoid traveling to affected areas unless absolutely necessary and to closely monitor their health for 14 days after returning from outbreak regions.

People experiencing symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or seizures are urged to contact the nearest medical facility immediately, limit contact with others, and clearly report their travel and exposure history.

The ministry also stressed food safety measures, advising the public to eat thoroughly cooked food, drink boiled water, wash and peel fruits before consumption, and avoid consuming fruits showing signs of being bitten or gnawed by animals such as bats or birds.

Consumption of raw or unprocessed tree sap was also discouraged.

In addition, people are advised to avoid close contact with animals that pose a high risk of transmission, particularly fruit bats, and to maintain proper hand hygiene after handling animals or caring for suspected or infected patients.