Mpox: China strengthens its controls on arrivals

China announced Friday that it was tightening controls on people and goods that may have ébeen in contact with mpox, after the alert from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the face of this disease.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans. It is also transmitted through close physical contact with a person infected with the virus.

It is characterized in particular by pustules and fever.

People from countries or regions affected by mpox and “who have been exposed to cases” of the disease or who “exhibit symptoms” must “take the initiative to declare to customs” upon their arrival in China, Chinese customs said in a statement.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

“Customs officers will take medical measures and carry out sampling and tests in accordance with the procedures”, they specified.

Moreover, transport vehicles, containers or goods coming from affected areas “and which are contaminated or are likely to have been contaminated” must be disinfected, according to the press release.

These measures are in place from Friday and for six months.

Sweden reported on Thursday a first case of a more contagious and dangerous variant of mpox, a disease which has killed at least 548 people since the start of the year in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC ), the most affected country.

WHO has indicated that additional imported cases of mpox are likely to be detected in Europe soon.

It triggered its highest international alert level on Wednesday in the face of the resurgence of cases on the African continent.

All reproduction and representation rights reserved. © (2024) Agence France-Presse