Beijing, 17 August 2024 (TDI): China’s General Administration of Customs has said that it will tighten surveillance at ports of entry to prevent the spread of mpox in the country, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Wednesday that the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of global concern.
People coming from countries and regions affected by mpox outbreak, who have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms such as fever, back pain, muscle pain, headache, swollen lymph nodes and rashes, should declare their conditions to customs upon entry. Customs authorities will take medical steps and conduct tests according to prescribed procedures, the GAC said.
Transport vehicles, containers, goods, and items from states or regions affected by mpox and potentially contaminated should undergo sanitary treatment according to prescribed procedures, it added.
The measures took effect immediately upon announcement on Thursday, and will be valid for 6 months, according to the GAC.
According to the Africa centers for disease control and prevention data on August 9, thirteen nations in Africa have reported 17,541 cases of the virus, with 517 fatalities.
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China has effective capabilities to respond to the possible risks of the spread of the outbreak, Lu Hongzhou, head of the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, said.
To prevent the spread of mpox, he said that people should avoid sexual contact with individuals of unknown health status, and stay informed about the virus outbreaks in destination nations and regions when traveling.
Lu added that people should avoid coming in contact with animals such as primates and rodents that may carry the dangerous virus.
