On the morning of January 28, the Department confirmed that its coordinated response plan aligns with the current level of risk following confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, India.

Stricter surveillance at border gates

The city’s health department will strengthen monitoring efforts at Tan Son Nhat, especially for passengers arriving from or transiting through Nipah-affected zones. Anyone showing symptoms such as fever, respiratory issues, or neurological abnormalities will be closely monitored and immediately transferred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HCMC) for isolation, diagnosis, and treatment as required.

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases has been designated as the central facility for receiving and handling suspected or confirmed cases. It will also conduct training for healthcare staff across HCMC in diagnosing, treating, and managing infection control related to Nipah virus cases.

Strict adherence to protective measures

All healthcare facilities are required to enforce personal protective protocols for medical staff and tighten infection control. Special attention must be given to patients with acute encephalitis of unknown cause. In such cases, healthcare providers must thoroughly investigate epidemiological risk factors and consult with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases as needed.

Returning travelers from affected regions are advised to monitor their health for at least 14 days post-entry. If any suspicious symptoms appear, they should contact healthcare facilities immediately and avoid self-treatment. Cooperation with health monitoring at borders and in the community is strongly encouraged.

For those traveling to outbreak areas, the Department of Health advises avoiding contact with fruit bats, pigs, and any visibly sick animals. Food and beverages potentially contaminated with bat waste should not be consumed. Personal hygiene, especially regular hand washing with soap, is essential.

Anyone developing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath, or altered consciousness during or after a trip to an outbreak region should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their travel history to health authorities.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of January 26, 2026, Vietnam has not recorded any Nipah virus cases. Surveillance of Nipah has been ongoing for years, and so far, there is no evidence of the virus circulating in the community.

In HCMC, advanced testing methods including metagenomics, PCR, and mass spectrometry - conducted by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in collaboration with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases - have found no traces of Nipah virus in encephalitis patients in the city or in southern provinces.

While the risk of an outbreak in HCMC remains low, the Department of Health cautions that international travel increases the risk of importation.

“People should stay informed through official sources, remain vigilant, but avoid panic or unnecessary worry,” the Department advised.

Heightened monitoring at Noi Bai Airport

In Hanoi, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been tasked with strengthening screening efforts at Noi Bai International Airport, particularly for travelers arriving from India - especially West Bengal - through automated temperature screening and specialized protocols. These efforts aim to identify, isolate, and investigate suspected cases promptly to prevent community spread.

The CDC has also been instructed to closely follow global and domestic outbreak developments, coordinate with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to collect and test samples when needed, and organize training for frontline healthcare workers. Supplies such as protective gear, disinfectants, and other resources are being stockpiled in preparation. The CDC will also work with media outlets to ensure timely and accurate public information.

Phuoc Sang