According to the dispatch, Nipah virus is an infectious disease for which there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available, and which has a fatality rate of 40-75%.
The virus is transmitted mainly from animals to humans, or through contact with virus-contaminated objects or food. The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days.
Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis.
Since December last year, India has recorded five suspected cases of Nipah virus, including two laboratory-confirmed cases, at a hospital in the state of West Bengal.
In view of the risk of Nipah virus disease entering Viet Nam, the Ministry of Health requested healthcare facilities to step up disease prevention and control measures.
These include implementing personal protective measures for healthcare workers and close contacts of suspected or confirmed cases within healthcare facilities, with particular attention to be paid to individuals who have arrived from countries that have experienced outbreaks within the previous 14 days.
Healthcare facilities are also required to strengthen inspection and supervision, enhance infection prevention and control, and strictly isolate all suspected or confirmed Nipah virus cases.
