In a decisive move to curb the spread of mpox, China has announced stringent new measures to screen all individuals and goods entering the country over the next six months. The decision, revealed by China's customs administration on Friday, comes on the heels of the World Health Organization (WHO) once again declaring mpox a global health emergency following an alarming surge in cases, particularly in Africa and Asia.
The new policy mandates that travelers arriving from countries with active mpox outbreaks must declare any symptoms or known contacts with infected individuals upon entry. Additionally, vehicles, containers, and other goods originating from regions affected by the virus will undergo thorough sanitization processes. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent any potential introduction or resurgence of the virus within China's borders, as the nation grapples with a notable increase in domestic cases.
China to start screening arrivals for Mpox symptoms after WHO declares virus a global health emergency
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Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has primarily spread through close physical contact. While typically mild, the disease can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms include fever, flu-like illness, and distinctive pus-filled lesions on the skin. The virus's resurgence has raised significant public health concerns, particularly given its previous low-profile presence in countries outside of Central and West Africa.
China's decision reflects a broader trend of heightened vigilance across Asia, where the virus has seen an uptick. Notably, Pakistan recently confirmed its first case of a new mpox variant, underscoring the virus's growing footprint beyond Africa.
In China: MPox screening for inbound travelers https://t.co/i88e8AW8Jp
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In response, the Chinese government has placed mpox under the same category as other serious infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and SARS, allowing authorities to implement emergency measures like restricting public gatherings and closing off affected areas if necessary.
The WHO's renewed classification of mpox as a global health emergency—its second in two years—highlights the severity of the situation. The international health body cited the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a key driver of the global alert, with the virus spreading to neighboring countries and now reaching Asia and Europe..
China's rigorous screening and sanitation measures are part of a larger strategy to shield the country from another public health crisis. Officials are also likely mindful of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, where initial delays in response led to widespread criticism and significant global impact. By taking swift and comprehensive action against mpox, China aims to avoid a similar scenario, particularly as it continues to recover from the economic and social disruptions caused by the coronavirus.
However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, especially in the face of a virus that has shown the ability to spread rapidly across borders. The situation underscores the need for global cooperation and preparedness, as nations work to contain mpox and prevent its escalation into a more widespread health crisis.
