Chinese customs authorities have introduced stricter surveillance measures at entry points to prevent the importation of the mpox virus, following an increase in global cases, according to Xinhua News Agency on Friday.
The General Administration of Customs (GAC) in China has advised individuals arriving from countries and regions with confirmed mpox cases, who have been exposed to mpox or exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes, to declare their conditions to customs upon entry. Customs officers will enforce medical measures and perform sampling and testing as per the stipulated procedures, as stated in an online GAC announcement.
Vehicles, containers, and goods that are contaminated or potentially contaminated from areas reporting mpox cases will undergo sanitation. These new measures, effective immediately from their announcement on August 15, will remain in place for six months, the GAC noted.
The World Health Organisation declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Wednesday, highlighting its potential for further international spread. Data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 2,000 new mpox cases were reported in Africa just last week. The health body also reported approximately 38,465 mpox cases and 1,456 deaths in Africa since January 2022, affecting at least 16 countries across all five regions.
