Monkeypox Photo: VCG

China on Thursday reported an outbreak of monkeypox virus, specifically the Ib sub-branch, with four associated cases. The outbreak has been effectively controlled.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) announced on Thursday that China has recently discovered a monkeypox virus outbreak, caused by the Ib sub-branch, with the source traced to a foreign individual with a travel history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following the outbreak, a joint prevention and control mechanism was activated.

Four related cases were identified among close contacts, all of whom were infected after intimate contact. No infections have been found among the general population, and all affected individuals are receiving medical treatment and are under observation. The relevant cases primarily exhibit symptoms such as rashes and herpes, which are relatively mild.

The outbreak has been effectively controlled.

The CDC on Thursday also published a notice on its WeChat account, reminding people to avoid close contact with monkeypox patients or individuals showing suspicious symptoms of monkeypox. The center said it is also important not to come into contact with wild or unknown rodents, as well as primates such as monkeys and apes.

The center said individuals from countries (or regions) where monkeypox is prevalent, who have been in contact with monkeypox patients or exhibit symptoms such as fever, rash, or lymphadenopathy, should report their status to customs upon entry into China.

Close contacts of individuals diagnosed with monkeypox should undergo health monitoring for 21 days under the guidance of disease control agencies, warned the center, advising that they should avoid close contact with others during this period and avoid donating blood.

Global Times