On the evening of September 16, Chongqing Health Commission reported that one imported monkeypox case had been confirmed in Chongqing.

The news has triggered widespread panic and concern about monkeypox. Now that the virus has arrived in the Chinese Mainland, what precautions should we take? 

As of September 14, 59,147 cases have been detected globally in 103 countries and regions. As of September 16, China reported 5 monkeypox cases, all of which are imported cases. Apart from the one case detected in Chongqing, Taiwan Province reported three cases while Hong Kong SAR reported one case.

According to the report, the monkeypox patient detected in Chongqing is a transfer passenger who returned from overseas. He went into centralized quarantine upon arrival. Although he tested negative for COVID-19, it was noted that he had a rash and other monkeypox-related symptoms. Lab results and expert reviews confirmed that the patient had contracted the monkeypox virus. 

Currently, the patient is being isolated and treated at a designated hospital and his condition is stable. All close contacts have been quarantined for further medical observation. 

Public health experts believe the spreading risk remains low and there is no need to be overly anxious because the patient had been quarantined upon entering Chongqing and he had no contact with the public. However, as the risk of imported monkeypox increases, it is necessary to take precautions and stay vigilant against the virus.

Right now, warding off the risk of imported cases remains the focus of monkeypox control in China. The National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine published the Monkeypox Diagnosis and Treatment Guide (2022 version) in June. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention also published the Technical Guide for Monkeypox Control and Prevention (2022 version) in July.

Information currently available suggests that the clinical symptoms of the present monkeypox outbreak in Europe and the U.S. mainly include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and low energy. Monkeypox is typically a self-limiting illness. However, complications can occur in some individuals. Examples of such complications include secondary bacterial infections and encephalitis, etc. Clade II (formerly West African clade) dominates the current outbreak. Although it has a lower case fatality ratio, around 10 deaths have been reported in the current outbreak so far. Immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to the monkeypox virus, once infected, they may be hit by serious complications or even death.

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through the following means: direct contact with secretions and body fluids from an infected animal, being scratched or bitten by the animal and intimate contact with a person with monkeypox. Droplet transmission is also possible during prolonged close contact. Research suggests that touching virus-contaminated objects may also result in transmission, while pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetuses through the placenta. The current outbreak is mainly caused by sexual contact.

There is no specific antiviral drug available for treating monkeypox at the moment. Treatment of the disease mainly focuses on addressing specific symptoms and complications as well as offering supportive care. At the moment, there is no monkeypox vaccine available in China. Although smallpox vaccination is 85% effective against monkeypox, almost all Chinese citizens born after 1981 haven’t received smallpox vaccination, and smallpox vaccines are not readily available in the market right now. Since the risk of monkeypox infections is rather low for the general public, WHO does not recommend mass monkeypox vaccination.

Personal Precautionary Measures Against Monkeypox

If you are living or travelling in a country affected by monkeypox:

Please stay informed about the local outbreak and avoid direct contact with infected animals and persons. You should also avoid direct contact with the body fluids and secretions of animals. Any foods containing animal parts or meat should be cooked thoroughly before eating. You should wear a mask and clean your hands frequently in public places. You should take appropriate personal precautions if you are taking care of or visiting a patient. It is also recommended to temporarily change some behaviors that may increase your risk of being exposed, such as avoiding having sex or sharing things that may come into direct with your skin or body with probable or confirmed monkeypox patients.

If you are returning to China from a monkeypox-affected region or country:

Please report relevant information to the customs when you are filling in the health declaration document for inbound visitors. You will also need to contact the local disease control authorities at your final destination and report relevant information. At the same time, you need to monitor your health conditions. If you experience symptoms such as fever and/or rash, you should seek medical attention at a formal hospital in a timely manner and inform your doctor about your overseas travel history and your contact history with monkeypox patients (if any).

If you are planning to travel to another country in the near future:

Please pay close attention to the monkeypox outbreak in your destination country. Familiarize yourself with information about how to prevent and treat monkeypox as early as possible. For example, you need to avoid direct contact with rodents and monkeypox patients and avoid sharing daily necessities with monkeypox patients. You should avoid having sex with probable or confirmed monkeypox patients and pay attention to hand hygiene. You are also advised to seek medical attention in time if you experience an unexplained rash or other symptoms.

For other people in China, the risk of monkeypox infection is extremely low. However, if you experience an unexplained rash, you should seek medical attention in time.

Better pandemic preparedness ensures effective prevention.

Guangzhou No.8 People's Hospital has already set up a dedicated monkeypox wing (standby). The wards are ready to take in and treat monkeypox patients at any time. This serves as a great example of Guangzhou's competency and efficiency in epidemic preparedness and response.