Under a newly issued plan, surveillance measures at international entry points, including Tan Son Nhat International Airport and seaports, will be strengthened while maintaining smooth passenger flows. Remote temperature-scanning systems will operate continuously to identify travellers showing signs of fever.

Passengers arriving from or transiting through areas affected by the Nipah virus who display suspected symptoms will be subject to detailed epidemiological assessment by medical staff and placed under immediate isolation if necessary. At the same time, the city’s health sector has activated community-based surveillance networks to detect early cases and trace close contacts.

In preparation for possible treatment needs, Ho Chi Minh City has instructed healthcare facilities to urgently review and mobilise resources. Medical personnel, medicines, equipment and isolation areas must be on standby to receive and treat patients should cases emerge. Doctors and healthcare workers will receive updated training on the latest diagnostic and treatment guidelines, while infection prevention and control measures will be tightened to protect frontline medical staff.

The move comes amid heightened regional concern after the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed on February 7 a death caused by the Nipah virus in Bangladesh. Earlier, two healthcare workers in India’s West Bengal state were also confirmed to have been infected.

First identified in 1999, the Nipah virus has previously caused outbreaks resulting in more than 100 deaths in Malaysia and Singapore. The virus is classified by both the WHO and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health as particularly dangerous due to its high fatality rate. Nipah infection can cause acute encephalitis and rapid respiratory failure, with around 20% of survivors suffering permanent neurological complications. Fatality rates have been described as alarmingly high.

Vietnam has so far reported no cases of Nipah virus infection. However, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant, advising against consuming fruit that shows signs of being bitten by bats or birds, and warning people to avoid drinking raw palm sap or fresh coconut sap.

Experts note that the Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through contact with bodily fluids from infected animals or humans. While its potential for respiratory transmission is lower than that of COVID-19, making a global pandemic less likely, the virus poses a serious threat at the individual level due to the severity of the disease it causes.

Vietnam works closely with WHO to guard against Nipah virus

VOV.VN - Vietnam is working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international partners to strengthen preparedness and prevent the possible spread of the Nipah virus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.