At a press conference on socio-economic issues on the afternoon of 29/1, Doctor Le Hong Nga, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), stated that in-depth studies using advanced techniques (metagenomics, PCR, mass spectrometry) conducted by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in collaboration with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases on encephalitis patients in the southern region have not detected the Nipah virus. To date, Vietnam has also not recorded any Nipah cases.

This information comes amidst positive signals in the global disease situation. India recently announced successful control of a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal state, following aggressive containment measures and widespread testing. The containment of the largest recent outbreak in the region reduces cross-border transmission pressure.

"Although the risk of disease entry remains due to increased international exchange, the likelihood of an outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City is very low," Doctor Nga said.

Nonetheless, the city's health sector has activated its defense system to prevent potential entry. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, HCDC has intensified surveillance of passengers arriving from or transiting through affected areas, such as West Bengal, India. Suspected cases exhibiting fever, respiratory, or neurological symptoms will be transferred directly to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases for isolation.

Hospitals are also tightening infection control procedures, with particular attention to acute encephalitis cases of unknown origin. Medical personnel are required to thoroughly inquire about travel history and consult with higher-level facilities immediately if suspicious signs are present.

Doctor Le Hong Nga, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control, at the press conference on the afternoon of 29/1. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Press Center

The Nipah virus transmits from animals, particularly fruit bats, to humans, or between humans through bodily secretions. The average incubation period is 4-14 days, potentially extending up to 45 days. Common symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting, which rapidly progress to encephalitis and seizures. The mortality rate is very high, ranging from 40-75%. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the disease.

The health sector advises the public not to panic but to enhance disease prevention awareness. Individuals returning from affected areas should monitor their health for at least 14 days. If suspicious symptoms appear, they must not self-treat at home but seek immediate medical attention. Those traveling for business or leisure should avoid contact with bats and pigs, and refrain from eating fallen fruit or uncovered fresh fruit juice due to the risk of bat urine contamination. Maintaining regular handwashing with soap and making honest health declarations are also crucial.

Le Phuong