BEIJING, China – China reported five confirmed cases of a new strain of mpox on Thursday, marking the nation’s latest response to a global health concern.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a cluster of cases involving the Clade 1b strain had been effectively contained, with authorities emphasizing that the outbreak had been “handled” with swift action.
Mpox, a virus known for causing fever, muscular aches, and severe, boil-like skin lesions, can be transmitted through close physical contact with infected individuals or animals.
While most cases are mild, the virus can be fatal, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency in August, a designation that was extended in November after a deadly surge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it has claimed over 1,000 lives.
The source of China’s recent outbreak is believed to be linked to an individual who had lived in the DRC, a hotspot for the virus.
Four people who had close contact with the patient subsequently tested positive for the Clade 1b strain.
These secondary cases are reportedly experiencing mild symptoms, including rashes and blisters.
Authorities quickly initiated medical treatments and health monitoring for those infected and their contacts.
The CDC reported that, to date, no further cases have been found among other individuals who may have been exposed.
China’s rapid response comes in the wake of its announcement in August that it would implement screenings for mpox at entry points to the country, a measure aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
While cases have been reported in over 120 countries since 2022, Chinese health officials remain confident that the outbreak is under control, noting that no additional cases have been detected among recent contacts.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a cluster of cases involving the Clade 1b strain had been effectively contained, with authorities emphasizing that the outbreak had been “handled” with swift action.
Mpox, a virus known for causing fever, muscular aches, and severe, boil-like skin lesions, can be transmitted through close physical contact with infected individuals or animals.
While most cases are mild, the virus can be fatal, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency in August, a designation that was extended in November after a deadly surge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it has claimed over 1,000 lives.
The source of China’s recent outbreak is believed to be linked to an individual who had lived in the DRC, a hotspot for the virus.
Four people who had close contact with the patient subsequently tested positive for the Clade 1b strain.
These secondary cases are reportedly experiencing mild symptoms, including rashes and blisters.
Authorities quickly initiated medical treatments and health monitoring for those infected and their contacts.
The CDC reported that, to date, no further cases have been found among other individuals who may have been exposed.
China’s rapid response comes in the wake of its announcement in August that it would implement screenings for mpox at entry points to the country, a measure aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
While cases have been reported in over 120 countries since 2022, Chinese health officials remain confident that the outbreak is under control, noting that no additional cases have been detected among recent contacts.
