China Tightens Border Controls Amid Mpox Global Emergency
China announced on Friday that it will monitor people and goods entering the country for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) over the next six months. This decision comes in response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the outbreak a global public health emergency earlier this week.
Travelers from countries experiencing mpox outbreaks, those who have had contact with infected individuals, or those displaying symptoms are urged to declare their status to customs upon entry, according to a statement by China’s customs administration. The statement also emphasized that vehicles, containers, and items from affected areas must be sanitized.
New Mpox Variant Hits Sweden and Pakistan
In a worrying development, Sweden reported the first case outside Africa of a more dangerous variant of mpox on Thursday. The following day, Pakistan confirmed Asia’s first case of the same variant. The patient had recently traveled from a Gulf country, according to Pakistani health officials.
The WHO issued its highest-level alert on Wednesday, warning that the mpox situation in Africa is deteriorating rapidly and poses a global threat.
Mpox: A Growing Global Concern
Mpox, an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted through close physical contact, has been spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond since its discovery in humans in 1970. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions.
As the virus continues to spread, countries around the world are increasing their vigilance and response efforts to curb its impact.
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