Viet Nam on high alert over Nipah virus

The ministry has instructed local authorities to strengthen surveillance, disease prevention and control from ports of entry, healthcare facilities, and within communities while standing ready to launch response measures if needed.

The ministry said it will continue to closely monitor the disease situation and coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and countries around the world to promptly implement appropriate and effective disease prevention and control measures.

According to the WHO, Nipah virus disease has been recorded sporadically on a small scale in several countries and has not formed large outbreaks. The fatality rate among hospitalized patients is about 40–75 percent. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for either humans or animals.

From December 27, 2025-January 26, 2026, India recorded five suspected cases of Nipah virus disease (including two laboratory-confirmed cases) at a hospital in West Bengal.

The incubation period ranges from 4–14 days. Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat; this may later be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicating acute encephalitis./.