BEIJING, 20th August, 2024 (WAM) -- China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) has issued a notice that it will tighten surveillance at ports of entry to prevent the spread of mpox in China.
The announcement follows the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring that the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
The GAC said that people from countries and regions affected by the mpox outbreak who have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and rashes should declare their conditions to customs upon entry. Customs officials will take medical measures and conduct sampling tests according to prescribed procedures.
Transport vehicles, containers, goods, and items from countries or regions affected by the outbreak and potentially contaminated should undergo sanitary treatment according to the procedures.
The measures took effect immediately upon announcement on Thursday and will be valid for six months.
Lu Hongzhou, Head of the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, told the Global Times that China has the capabilities to respond to the potential risks of mpox spread.