1. What is the Nipah Virus Disease?
Nipah virus (NiV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. It was first identified in Malaysia in 1999, and the name “Nipah” originates from the village where the first outbreak was recorded. In 2001, the virus was detected in Bangladesh and subsequently in India, causing several severe outbreaks.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or via direct human-to-human transmission.
This virus is extremely dangerous, with a reported case fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%. It can cause acute encephalitis, coma, and death within 24–48 hours. The natural reservoir of Nipah virus is fruit bats (Pteropus species). From bats, the virus can spread to animals in close contact with humans such as goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and livestock.
2. Current Situation In Viet Nam
According to the Ministry of Health, as of January 27, 2026, Viet Nam has not recorded any domestic cases of Nipah virus infection. However, in response to confirmed cases reported in India, the Ministry of Health has requested enhanced surveillance and strengthened health screening at points of entry, healthcare facilities, and within communities.
In Viet Nam, Nipah virus is classified as a Group A infectious disease, indicating a disease with a very high risk that requires strict surveillance and control under national infectious disease prevention and control regulations.
3. Recommendations from the Ministry of Health
To proactively prevent and control Nipah virus disease, the Ministry of Health recommends that the public strictly implement the following measures:
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1. Avoid travel to areas affected by Nipah virus outbreaks unless absolutely necessary.
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2. Self-monitor health status for 14 days after returning from affected areas. If symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures occur, immediately contact the nearest healthcare facility, limit contact with others, and clearly report travel and exposure history to healthcare workers.
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3. Ensure food safety and hygiene by following the principle of “eat thoroughly cooked food and drink boiled water”; wash and peel fruits before consumption; do not consume fruits or beverages that show signs of being bitten or contaminated by animals (such as bats or birds); avoid drinking raw or unprocessed tree sap (e.g., palm sap, fresh coconut sap).
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4. Avoid close contact with animals that pose a high risk of transmission, especially fruit bats; regularly wash hands with soap or use hand sanitizers after slaughtering or handling animals.
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5. Limit direct contact with infected or suspected cases and contaminated materials. Use masks, gloves, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for or treating suspected or confirmed patients, followed by thorough hand hygiene with soap or disinfectant solutions.
Source: Ministry of Health (Viet Nam)