As global mpox cases surge, China and Australia are ramping up their responses to the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Both nations are implementing stricter measures to contain the spread of the virus, reflecting growing international concern.

China Tightens Surveillance at Ports

In response to the increasing global cases of mpox, Chinese customs authorities have introduced stricter surveillance at ports of entry. This decision, effective immediately from August 15, aims to prevent the virus from entering the country, especially from regions where mpox has been confirmed. Travelers from affected areas who exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes are now required to declare their condition upon entry, according to China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC).

The new measures also mandate the disinfection of potentially contaminated vehicles, containers, and goods arriving from mpox-affected regions. The GAC’s statement emphasizes that these enhanced protocols will remain in effect for six months as part of China’s efforts to avert an outbreak.

Australia Issues Public Health Warning

In Australia, health authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have issued a public warning following a significant increase in mpox cases. Since June, 93 cases have been reported in NSW, a stark rise compared to just one confirmed case in the state earlier in the year. This marks a sharp uptick in infections, given that the combined total for 2022 and 2023 was 68 cases.

NSW Health has urged the public, particularly those at higher risk, to remain vigilant for symptoms of mpox, which was previously known as monkeypox. The warning highlights that even vaccinated individuals should consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as mild fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, or lesions. Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, stressed the importance of early detection and isolation to prevent further spread, noting that mpox can be contagious until lesions fully heal.

The situation in Australia mirrors broader concerns across the globe, particularly in Africa, where the WHO has reported a severe outbreak, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak is largely attributed to a novel strain, clade Ib, which has proven to be more virulent and particularly dangerous for children and immunocompromised individuals.

Global Response and Vaccine Efforts

The resurgence of mpox has led to urgent calls for international cooperation in vaccine distribution. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimates that it will require around 10 million vaccine doses to manage the outbreak. In response, the European Commission has pledged to donate 175,420 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, produced by Bavarian Nordic, which is currently the leading mpox vaccine globally. Additionally, Bavarian Nordic has committed to producing 10 million doses by the end of 2025, pending further orders.

Despite the availability of vaccines such as Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN, Japan’s LC16, and the under-review ACAM2000 in the U.S., the global distribution remains uneven. Fiona Chisholm, Associate Director of Infectious Diseases at GlobalData, has urged countries with vaccine stockpiles to increase their donations to regions in need, particularly in Africa.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

The re-emergence of mpox, particularly with the clade Ib strain, underscores the challenges in controlling viral outbreaks that have the potential for widespread international transmission. While most mpox cases are mild, the risk of severe complications, especially among vulnerable populations, necessitates a robust and coordinated global response. The actions taken by China and Australia reflect a broader acknowledgment of the virus’s threat, but sustained international cooperation will be crucial in mitigating its spread and impact.