Viet Nam strengthens Nipah virus surveillance at boder gates, healthcare facilities
VGP – The Ministry of Health on Wednesday urged local authorities to strengthen prevention and control of Nipah virus right at border gates, healthcare facilities and communities.
The move was made as India has reported a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, with five confirmed infection cases.
Local authorities need to regularly update and monitor the evolution of Nipah virus around the world and closely supervise incoming travellers to promptly detect and handle suspected cases immediately at border gates, the ministry said.
Relevant units should fully implement personal protective measures for healthcare workers and those in close contact with suspected or confirmed cases; strengthen infection control at healthcare facilities; and develop plans for preventing Nipah virus outbreaks at border gates.
Notice to travelers
Individuals returning from areas affected by the Nipah virus are advised to closely monitor their health for 14 days.
If any symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures occur, they should immediately contact the nearest medical facility for examination and guidance.
During this period, individuals are advised to limit contact with others and clearly inform healthcare staff of their recent travel history and any relevant epidemiological exposure to ensure timely assessment and appropriate preventive measures.
The Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia. By 2001, human cases of Nipah virus were first recorded in Bangladesh and subsequently in India.
According to WHO, Nipah virus cases have been recorded sporadically in small-scale outbreaks in several countries, but it has not yet formed large-scale epidemics. However, the case fatality rate among hospitalized patients is high, ranging from 40 percent to 75 percent. Currently, there are no specific vaccines or treatments available for either humans or animals.
The incubation period for the virus is typically between 4 to 14 days. Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and a sore throat. These symptoms can progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)./.
