The recent initiatives by Chinese authorities to intensify monitoring for monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, within their borders reflect a proactive stance in safeguarding public health. In response to the World Health Organization's classification of a surge in mpox infections in Africa as a global health emergency, China's General Administration of Customs has implemented stringent measures. This development underscores the gravity of the situation, as officials are now vigilantly screening individuals and goods entering the country for symptoms associated with mpox. These precautionary steps aim to prevent the spread of the disease and mirror China's proactive approach in handling infectious diseases, aligning mpox with other significant health threats such as COVID-19 and SARS.
RT reports: People arriving in China from “countries and regions where cases of the disease have been confirmed should declare their conditions to customs upon entry if they have symptoms” including fever, headache, rashes and others, the GAC said, emphasising that “customs officers will implement medical measures and conduct sampling and testing in accordance with the prescribed procedure.”
Vehicles, containers and goods from areas where mpox cases have been spotted should be sanitised, the statement added.
Mpox can spread through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms, a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, and swollen lymph nodes. According to WHO, the disease is usually mild and only fatal only in rare cases.
Last year, China’s National Health Commission labelled mpox a Category B infectious disease along with COVID-19, AIDS and SARS. The move enabled national authorities to take emergency measures, including restricting gatherings, suspending work and school, and sealing off areas in case of an outbreak.
Info: The Chinese authorities have heightened surveillance for monkeypox, now known as mpox, by monitoring individuals and goods entering the country. This decision comes after the World Health Organization declared a surge in infections in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern. Entrants from regions with confirmed cases are required to report symptoms like fever, headache, and rashes to customs officials. Additionally, measures such as sanitizing vehicles and goods from affected areas are being implemented to prevent the spread of the disease. Mpox, causing flu-like symptoms and skin manifestations, is recognized as a mild illness, fatal only in rare instances. China classifying mpox as a Category B infectious disease underscores the seriousness with which they are approaching its containment, similar to other major diseases like COVID-19 and SARS.