China announced on Friday that it will start screening individuals and goods entering the country for mpox over the next six months.
This decision comes just two days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global health emergency.
China’s customs administration stated that travelers from countries experiencing mpox outbreaks, those who have been in contact with confirmed cases, or individuals showing symptoms should “take the initiative to declare to customs when entering the country.”
The administration also mandated the sanitization of vehicles, containers, and items arriving from affected areas.
The move follows Sweden’s report on Thursday of the first case outside Africa involving a more dangerous variant of mpox.
The WHO has cautioned that further cases of this new strain in Europe are likely.
Earlier this week, the WHO issued its highest alarm level regarding the worsening mpox situation in Africa, labeling it a global public health emergency.
The African Union’s health watchdog also declared a public health emergency on Tuesday due to the escalating outbreak.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, first appeared in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The disease, which spreads through infected animals and close human contact, causes symptoms including fever, muscular aches, and large, boil-like skin lesions.
— AFP
