According to a report released on May 25 by the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control, the city reported 155 new cases this week, six times higher than the previous week’s tally of 23 cases. Since the beginning of the year, Hanoi has recorded 192 cases, with no reported deaths. The number of cases is lower compared to the same period in 2024.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 640 COVID-19 cases have been reported in 39 provinces and cities nationwide this year, with no fatalities. Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Quang Ninh have seen the highest numbers of infections. While the national figure is down 83 percent year-on-year, a slight upward trend has been observed in recent weeks.
Ho Chi Minh City has recently detected the NB.1.8.1 subvariant of COVID-19 for the first time. As of May 22, this variant had been identified in 22 countries worldwide. However, no scientific evidence has confirmed whether it is more transmissible or causes more severe illness.
On May 24, the Ministry of Health issued a nationwide alert as cases of COVID-19, dengue fever, and hand, foot, and mouth disease all show signs of rising. The increase is attributed to seasonal weather changes, humid conditions, and fluctuating temperatures that facilitate the spread of viruses and bacteria. The upcoming summer travel peak, with a high volume of domestic movement, is also expected to heighten the risk of disease transmission.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Vietnam has recorded over 11.6 million cases, ranking 13th out of 231 countries and territories. The disease has claimed more than 43,000 lives, representing 0.4 percent of total infections.