In a document sent on the morning of January 28, the Department of Disease Prevention under the Ministry of Health called on provincial authorities, hygiene and epidemiology/ pasteur institutes, and hospitals under the Ministry to intensify early detection and monitoring to prevent the virus from entering and spreading within the country.

According to the infectious disease surveillance system, India recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection at a hospital in West Bengal between December 27, 2025 and January 27, 2026.

The Ministry of Health asked localities to tighten health surveillance at points of entry, medical facilities and in communities, ensure early detection and timely isolation and treatment of suspected cases, and prevent community transmission, particularly during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday and early-2026 festival season. Coordination with hygiene and epidemiology/ pasteur institutes for laboratory testing of suspected cases was also required.

Healthcare facilities were instructed to strictly implement infection prevention and control measures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and close contacts, and to organise training on disease prevention and infection control across all levels.

The Department of Disease Prevention also asked provincial health departments, international health quarantine centres and local CDCs to develop response plans for different scenarios at border gates, and to ensure readiness in terms of personnel, medical supplies, equipment and logistics.

Public communication efforts are to be stepped up to ensure accurate understanding, prevent unnecessary public concern and support the adoption of preventive measures, particularly among travellers returning from affected countries or regions.

Hygiene and epidemiology/ pasteur institutes hospitals under the Ministry of Health were instructed to closely monitor the global situation, advise the Ministry on appropriate response measures, enhance testing and diagnostic capacity, and maintain rapid response teams ready to respond to suspected or confirmed cases if detected.

Nipah virus disease is classified as a Group A infectious disease in Vietnam under a Ministry of Health decision issued on November 25, 2025. The virus is transmitted mainly from animals to humans, including through fruit bats, as well as via contaminated food or objects, and can also spread from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions.

The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for humans or animals.

Vietnam reports no Nipah virus cases, steps up surveillance

VOV.VN - Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Nipah virus infection, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said on January 27, as authorities strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness following reports of suspected cases in India.