China steps up checks for mpox as Asia goes on high alert after WHO warning

Hong Kong, which recorded 13 cases this year, said it would continue to “closely monitor” the situation and “enhance preventative measures” following WHO’s announcement. 

“Members of the public are urged to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting mpox,” officials said in a press release on Thursday, adding that high-risk groups have been advised to receive vaccinations, said the government in a press release. 

Hong Kong’s Department of Health has also told doctors and hospitals to report suspected mpox cases for “prompt” epidemiological investigation and contact tracing, as well as issue travel health advice to travellers visiting Africa. 

Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a level-one health alert on Thursday, urging citizens travelling to or staying in seven African countries to exercise caution, NHK reported. 

SOUTHEAST ASIA ON ALERT

According to figures released by the WHO, close to 100,000 confirmed cases have been reported since 2022, along with 208 deaths reported. 

In 2022, caseloads across Asia were reported in countries like India, Japan and Singapore. 

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday said the immediate public health risk of the mpox outbreak in the country remains low and added that precautionary measures were in place.

“While there is (a) cross-border spread of a potentially more severe mpox Clade I in parts of Central and East Africa, the outbreak has thus far remained within the African continent, with no reported cases of Clade I exported out of the African continent,” MOH said. 

“To date, all mpox infections detected in Singapore have been the milder Clade II infections, mostly during the 2022-2023 global outbreak.”