On January 28, the Da Nang Department of Health issued a directive calling for proactive efforts to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus following reports of confirmed cases in India.

Health officials emphasized the need to strengthen epidemic prevention protocols at border checkpoints, medical facilities, government offices, and within communities.

A particular focus is being placed on travelers entering Vietnam from affected regions. Authorities are implementing strict monitoring at entry points to detect suspected cases early and take immediate action at border control.

Healthcare workers are required to adhere strictly to personal protection measures, especially when interacting with suspected or confirmed cases. Hospitals across the city have been instructed to intensify infection control protocols.

Da Nang’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been designated as the lead agency for updating international and domestic outbreak information. The CDC is also tasked with developing communication strategies and detailed contingency plans in case of an outbreak at local border gates.

The health department further emphasized the importance of closely monitoring individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue - particularly travelers arriving from India through major hubs like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or those transiting via third countries.

At hospitals, the directive requires medical staff to enhance screening and identify possible Nipah cases from the moment patients arrive, with a focus on thorough epidemiological assessments.

Dr. Nguyen Dai Vinh, Director of Da Nang’s CDC, noted that the city is a major tourism destination with high passenger volumes. During the busy Lunar New Year travel season, particular attention is being paid to air travel surveillance.

As part of a nationwide effort, Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi have also stepped up health screening procedures for travelers from Nipah-affected areas to safeguard public health.

Ho Giap