Beijing, China – China has tightened its border controls, introducing mandatory mpox screenings for all incoming travelers and goods for the next six months. The move comes as the World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency over the escalating mpox outbreak in Africa.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reported its first case of the deadly virus on Friday, marking the disease’s arrival in Asia. The infected individual had recently returned from a Gulf country.
The Chinese customs administration announced the new screening measures on Friday, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance against the spread of mpox. Travelers from countries experiencing outbreaks, those with mpox exposure, or individuals displaying symptoms are required to disclose their health status to customs officials upon arrival. Additionally, vehicles, containers, and other items originating from affected areas will undergo sanitization.
Sweden had already confirmed the first case of a more dangerous mpox variant outside Africa earlier this week, prompting the WHO to warn of potential imported cases in Europe.
The mpox outbreak, centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has intensified in recent months. The African Union’s health body also declared a public health emergency over the crisis.
Mpox, a viral disease transmitted primarily through close contact with infected animals or humans, causes fever, muscle aches, and distinctive skin lesions.
