Beijing, July 25 (FN Agency) People arriving in China from countries where monkeypox cases have been found must formally report any contact with those infected, as well as any symptoms if they have them, China’s general administration of customs (GACC) said on Monday. Over 5,100 cases of monkeypox have been detected in more than 50 countries, as of Monday. On Saturday, the World Health Organization declared the current monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. “Individuals arriving from countries with monkeypox outbreaks who have been in contact with monkeypox cases or have symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain and swollen lymph nodes upon arrival should take the initiative and report to customs,” the GACC said.
Medical personnel will take necessary preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus and carry out testing, the statement read. The GACC also said that the potentially infected containers and cargo must sanitized by their owners. These measures will remain in force for six months starting from July 25. The GACC will adjust the preventive and control measures depending on the development of the situation in the meantime. Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is usually transmitted to people from wild animals and is endemic in some African countries. The infection can be transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials.