Health officials in Vietnam are on heightened alert for Nipah virus as the Lunar New Year approaches, a traditionally busy travel period. On the afternoon of February 12, 2026, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology held an online meeting with centers in 18 northern provinces and cities to strengthen disease prevention and control measures, particularly regarding Nipah virus surveillance and education.
The meeting, led by Professor Phan Trong Lan, director of the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, brought together the institute’s leadership and experts to discuss preparedness. Professor Lan emphasized that the Lunar New Year, also known as Tết, presents an increased risk of disease outbreaks due to surges in travel, trade, tourism, and festivals. He stressed the need for preventive health systems to maintain a high level of readiness, ensuring regular monitoring, early detection, and timely responses.
The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology held an online conference titled “Strengthening disease prevention and control and Nipah virus disease surveillance and prevention education during the 2026 Year of the Horse Lunar New Year.”
Currently, no confirmed cases of Nipah virus have been reported in Vietnam. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the global risk as low, but officials acknowledge the possibility of introduction from infected areas. Therefore, vigilance remains crucial.
During the conference, laboratory experts shared updated information on the epidemiological characteristics of Nipah virus and presented guidelines for surveillance, suspect case detection, investigation, isolation, and outbreak management. Training focused on proper specimen collection, preservation, and transport techniques, as well as biosafety protocols to minimize infection risk.
Local authorities have been directed to review and strengthen rapid response teams, establish 24-hour emergency response systems throughout the Lunar New Year holiday, and enhance surveillance at border checkpoints, healthcare facilities, and crowded event venues. Strict adherence to daily and expedited reporting regulations, as outlined by the Department of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health, is also required.
Health screening measures at airports have been strengthened to prevent and control the risk of Nipah virus introduction.
The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology confirmed it possesses all necessary reagents, personnel, and equipment to confirm Nipah virus infections using real-time PCR techniques, offering both high sensitivity and specificity.
The institute’s laboratory operates at biosafety level 3 and is equipped to handle high-risk samples. Staff are available 24/7 to support outbreak investigations and provide rapid results. A remote technical support system offers online guidance on specimen handling, and a dedicated hotline provides timely advice for suspected cases.
Concluding the meeting, institute leaders urged local governments to strictly implement the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, maintain emergency preparedness, closely monitor the situation, and proactively develop response plans.
Through thorough preparation, swift response, and close collaboration, the northern region’s preventive health system aims to be fully prepared for the 2026 Lunar New Year, ensuring residents can celebrate safely while effectively controlling the risk of disease outbreaks.
