The University of Tokyo's Advanced Science and Technology Research Center successfully developed a vaccine anticipated to prevent Nipah virus, Nikkei reported on 31/1. Phase one clinical trials are set to begin in Belgium this April. This initiative follows two cases reported in India's West Bengal state in January, prompting many countries to tighten airport health screening.

According to TASS, the vaccine is developed using a measles virus platform. When injected into the human body, the vaccine stimulates the production of proteins similar to those of Nipah virus, thereby bolstering the immune system and helping to prevent disease progression in case of infection.

A healthcare worker in protective gear exits an isolation ward at a hospital in Kochi, Kerala state, India, during the Nipah outbreak in August 2019. _EFE-EPA/Prakash Elamakkara_

The University of Tokyo research team observed the vaccine's efficacy and safety through trials on hamsters and other animals. If the initial phase, scheduled for Belgium, proves successful, subsequent trials assessing safety and effectiveness in both adults and children will be conducted in Bangladesh in late 2027.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans, originating from fruit bats. It can cause severe encephalitis and respiratory infections with an exceptionally high fatality rate, reaching up to 75% in some cases.

Since the virus was discovered in 1999, the world has recorded approximately 1,000 cases. Nipah virus outbreaks occur annually in South and Southeast Asia, causing many deaths, yet there is currently no preventive vaccine.

In West Bengal state, two individuals infected with Nipah virus, both nurses, are currently receiving hospital treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that none of the 190 close contacts of the patients showed symptoms, and all have tested negative to date. According to WHO's assessment, the risk of an outbreak at national, regional, and global levels remains low.

Immediately after India confirmed these infections, several Asian countries and territories proactively activated their epidemic prevention systems. Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam simultaneously tightened health screening procedures at air entry points to prevent external transmission risks.

Vietnam has not recorded any Nipah virus infections to date.

By Binh Minh (According to Nikkei, TASS)