WHO declares mpox outbreak an emergency: Asian nations respond

• Last week, the WHO declared a growing mpox outbreak a global health emergency.
• On Monday, the Philippines reported its first case of mpox since December of last year, but the strain has not yet been identified.
• China's customs authorities announced they will strengthen surveillance at ports of entry.

The World Health Organization has declared an escalating mpox outbreak in Africa, prompting countries in Asia to closely monitor for cases.

The two distinct groups of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated items.

The 2022 outbreak, which resulted in approximately 100,000 cases worldwide, was caused by Clade 2, according to NBC News. However, a variant of Clade 1 has now spread internationally, originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2023.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stated that a coordinated international response is necessary to halt these outbreaks and save lives.

On Monday, the Philippines reported its first case of mpox since December of last year, although it has not yet identified the strain. On Thursday, Sweden reported the first known case of clade 1 outside Africa.

Here's how the four largest economies in Asia have responded so far:

China

China's customs authorities announced they will strengthen surveillance at ports of entry.

Individuals traveling from countries and regions with confirmed mpox cases and have experienced symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, or rashes must disclose their condition to customs, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Local news reported that aircraft and vessels transporting containers and cargo from regions with mpox cases will undergo sanitization.

The measures, which took effect on Thursday, will be enforced for the following six months.

India

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely tracking the mpox outbreak in the country.

No reported cases of mpox have been detected in the country since March, according to officials.

A meeting of health experts was held by India's National Center of Disease Control to evaluate the risk, officials stated. Additionally, health teams at international airports have been informed of the situation.

Officials stated that health authorities will intensify surveillance and improve laboratory testing capabilities to quickly identify potential cases, but did not provide additional information in their announcement.

Hospitals and clinics, in addition to their primary duties, have been mandated to enhance public knowledge about the virus.

Japan

On Friday, Japanese officials met to discuss potential actions and review strategies, as reported by local news, and decided to collect data from countries where outbreaks have been confirmed.

The Japan Times reported that authorities plan to increase awareness of mpox and its transmission among travelers entering and exiting the country. However, it is uncertain if the country will implement any additional measures.

Japan's health minister, Keizo Takemi, announced at a press conference that Tokyo is preparing to send Japan-made vaccines to the Congo in response to a request.

South Korea

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has stated that although the mpox situation is currently under control with existing measures, it will intensify its quarantine and surveillance efforts, as reported by local news.

On Friday, the KDCA released comments following a meeting with medical professionals to assess the potential for an outbreak.

Officials decided to implement quarantine measures for individuals on direct flights from countries with epidemiological investigators and public health doctors on-site, but chose not to reissue the crisis alert that was lifted in May of last year, according to The Korea Times.

Additionally, Korea is planning to increase awareness campaigns to prompt individuals with symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.