As India confirms new cases of the Nipah virus, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging people returning from outbreak regions to monitor their health for 14 days. Although Vietnam has yet to record any infections, heightened vigilance is being applied at national borders and within local healthcare systems.

According to surveillance data, five suspected cases of Nipah virus infection were reported in India between December 27, 2025, and January 26, 2026. Of these, two cases were confirmed through laboratory testing at a hospital in West Bengal. The local government in India has since traced and isolated nearly 100 close contacts in efforts to contain the spread.

As of January 26, no cases have been reported in Vietnam. However, given the high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission, Vietnamese health authorities are proactively strengthening disease surveillance at border checkpoints, medical facilities, and community levels.

The Ministry of Health has advised against non-essential travel to areas with active outbreaks. Individuals returning from such regions are urged to self-monitor their health for two weeks. If symptoms like headache, muscle pain, nausea, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures occur, they should immediately report to the nearest medical facility, avoid contact with others, and inform healthcare providers of their travel history.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Center for Disease Control (HCDC) announced on January 26 that it is closely tracking global developments and implementing preventive protocols. Enhanced screening is in place at international entry points, with particular focus on travelers arriving from high-risk areas. Anyone showing signs of fever or other symptoms of a potentially dangerous infectious disease will be promptly isolated and evaluated.

HCDC emphasized the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment for the Nipah virus. As such, preventive hygiene remains crucial. Travelers are advised to wash hands regularly with soap, avoid contact with fruit bats or sick pigs, and stay away from areas where bats roost. Consuming raw or contaminated fruit and plant sap, such as fresh date palm juice or unprocessed coconut water, should be avoided.

Infected individuals may initially show symptoms within 4 to 14 days of exposure. The illness often begins with fever, headache, cough, and sore throat. In severe cases, it can rapidly progress to encephalitis, marked by drowsiness, confusion, mental disturbances, and coma - sometimes within just 24 to 48 hours.

The virus primarily spreads from animals to humans, especially through contact with infected bats or pigs, or consumption of contaminated food. However, person-to-person transmission is also possible through close contact with bodily fluids, making early detection and isolation vital.

Nipah virus has a mortality rate estimated between 40% and 75%, depending on outbreak conditions and access to medical care. Even survivors may face long-term effects such as persistent seizures or changes in personality.

Health authorities in Vietnam stress the importance of food safety - consuming only well-cooked food and clean, peeled fruits. Citizens are also advised to use masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment when caring for suspected or confirmed patients and to maintain strict hygiene practices during and after contact.

Though no local cases have emerged, Vietnam continues to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to implement further measures if the outbreak spreads.

Phuong Thuy - Phuoc Sang