Nipah Virus: From Biological Characteristics to Risk of Emergence in Vietnam

Abstract

   Nipah virus (NiV) is a high-fatality emerging pathogen that has recently continued to be recorded through clusters of encephalitis and respiratory distress in South Asia. Reports indicate that while outbreaks’ scales are typically small, the virus possesses extreme virulence and the capacity for human-to-human transmission, particularly within hospital settings. Although case fatality rates reported across outbreaks range from 40% to 75%, transmission dynamics remain limited, and sustained community spread has not been observed to date. The virus is naturally harbored by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, with spillover events linked to contaminated food products or intermediate hosts such as pigs; Vietnam lies within the distribution range of Pteropus bats, which, combined with high livestock density and rapid urbanization, creates a significant risk interface between animals and humans. International trade connectivity further increases the potential for introduction and spread of Nipah virus before being detected. This review aims to synthesize biological mechanisms, transmission dynamics, and Vietnam-specific ecological and livestock risk factors to inform preparedness strategies and public health policy.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.4