Attention when returning home! Entering China requires declaration of monkeypox virus and screening!
If you plan to return to China in the near future, you need to declare the monkeypox virus and undergo sampling and screening when entering China!
The official official account of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, "Issued by the Customs", issued an emergency announcement on August 15 to prevent monkeypox from spreading into China.
The announcement states:
The World Health Organization announced on August 14, 2024 that the monkeypox outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern". According to data from the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention on August 9th, 13 countries in Africa have reported 17541 cases of monkeypox and 517 deaths so far this year, with Congo (Kinshasa) alone reporting 16789 cases of monkeypox and 511 deaths. In order to prevent the outbreak of monkeypox into China and protect the health and safety of the people, in accordance with the "Border Health and Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China" and its implementation rules and other laws and regulations, the following announcement is hereby issued:
1、 Individuals from countries (regions) where monkeypox outbreaks occur who have come into contact with monkeypox cases or experience symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, lymphadenopathy, rash, and mucosal rash should proactively declare to customs upon entry. Customs personnel will take medical measures and conduct sampling and testing according to prescribed procedures.
2、 Transportation vehicles, containers, goods, and items from countries (regions) where monkeypox outbreaks occur and are contaminated or at risk of contamination should undergo sanitation treatment according to prescribed procedures.
The content of this announcement shall come into effect from the date of publication and shall be valid for 6 months. During this period, countries and regions with newly reported monkeypox outbreaks announced by the World Health Organization shall be subject to this announcement.
Image source: WHO
Monkeypox outbreak triggers global alert
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) held a press conference announcing that the rapidly spreading variant of monkeypox in Africa constitutes an "international public health emergency of concern" - the highest level global pandemic alert under the framework of the International Health Regulations.
The Toronto Public Health Department has also warned the public of a sharp increase in monkeypox cases in the city and urged eligible residents to get vaccinated against monkeypox as soon as possible.
Toronto health officials stated that there was an increase in reported monkeypox cases at the end of June and July, and the surge in cases occurred after major events and holidays, including the celebration of Pride Month.
As of July 31, Toronto has recorded 93 cases of monkeypox in 2024; By comparison, only 21 cases were reported during the same period last year.
Monkeypox variant strains have stronger infectivity
According to Global News, although immunologists have stated that more research is needed to determine the infectivity of monkeypox virus, it can be confirmed that this virus not only affects adults but also children.
This new strain of monkeypox, known as 1b Mpox, has been spreading in most parts of Africa since its first discovery in the Kamituga region of Congo. Last week, Sweden reported a case where the patient had traveled to an African country affected by the epidemic, making it the first confirmed case of a new strain outside of the African continent.
David Kelvin, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University, said that preliminary studies have shown that some of the first cases came from heterosexual contact, but since its discovery last year, many cases have also been found in children.
Public Health Canada stated that there is evidence to suggest that the new strain 1b is more contagious and may lead to more severe illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States states that some outbreaks have resulted in up to 10% of patient deaths, despite recent low mortality rates.
The main way of transmission of monkeypox epidemic is through close contact with infected individuals, usually through skin contact, as well as skin rashes or scabs caused by contact with the virus. In addition to sexual contact, kissing or other close contact may also lead to virus transmission.
In addition, contact with saliva, nasal mucus, respiratory secretions, bodily fluids, etc. may also spread the virus. In addition, the CDC points out that prolonged face-to-face interactions, such as close range conversations or breathing, may also spread the virus.
Canada has not yet discovered the monkeypox 1b variant strain, but experts still issue warnings
As of August 19th, Canada has not yet discovered the 1b variant virus, but people can still take preventive measures.
Firstly, if traveling to a monkeypox endemic area in Africa, please stay away from crowded places, wash your hands promptly, and maintain good hygiene habits.
Experts say that without a travel plan, the risk of infection is very low. But they also suggest that those eligible for monkeypox vaccination should get vaccinated as soon as possible, including high-risk populations such as those with immunodeficiency.
Due to the surprising ability of this virus to rapidly spread within one location and then spread to other areas, we should remain vigilant about the emergence of cases
Source link:
https://globalnews.ca/news/10705146/mpox-strain-contagious-transmission/