HANOI — May 26, 2025 — Vietnam has recorded 641 confirmed COVID-19 cases across 39 provinces and cities since the beginning of 2025, with no fatalities reported, according to the Ministry of Health.
The highest number of cases was recorded in Hanoi (153 cases), followed by Hai Phong (138), Ho Chi Minh City (80), and Quang Ninh (46). The majority of other provinces reported fewer than 20 infections each. Although no concentrated outbreaks have been detected, health authorities have noted a slight uptick in cases over the past three weeks, especially among children hospitalized in Hanoi and neighboring areas, Dan Tri newspaper reported.
COVID-19 Trends in Asia and New Variant Surveillance
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health institutions, held a meeting on May 23 to assess the regional COVID-19 situation. While many countries in Asia — including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand — have reported rising case numbers and hospital admissions, experts say the situation remains under control, with hospital capacity stable.
Globally, the dominant COVID-19 variant shifted in March 2025, with LP.8.1 replacing XEC. However, LP.8.1 has recently declined, while a newer strain, NB.1.8.1, is gaining attention. Identified in early 2025, this variant has shown increased transmissibility and was responsible for 10.7% of global sequencing cases by mid-May. It has been detected in 23 countries, including the U.S., UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the NB.1.8.1 variant accounted for the majority of sequenced cases at Ho Chi Minh City’s Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in mid-May. However, no evidence currently suggests that this or other circulating variants cause more severe illness.
Vietnam Prepares for Possible Case Increase
With the summer season approaching, the Ministry of Health warns of a potential rise in infections due to increased travel, gatherings at tourist hotspots, and crowded public spaces. While most current cases are mild, officials are urging continued vigilance.
“COVID-19 remains an endemic disease globally,” a Health Ministry spokesperson said. “We do not rule out the possibility of a further increase in infections in Vietnam in the coming weeks. However, the likelihood of a rise in severe cases is low given the nature of current variants.”
The WHO also confirmed that there are no new global alerts for COVID-19 at this time but emphasized that SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve in unpredictable ways.
Vietnam Insider will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments closely and provide timely updates for our readers in Vietnam and abroad.
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Source: Vietnam Insider