A child infected with mpox in the Republic of Congo. (Photo:VNA)

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for strict vigilance against the spread of mpox and emphasized the need for effective screening at airports, seaports, and border stations. He asked the National Command and Operations Center to remain alert and ensure the availability of necessary equipment and testing kits for detecting the virus.

In an announcement on Friday, Chinese customs officials said all overseas arrivals will be screened for symptoms of the virus over the next six months. This will apply to all aircraft, marine vessels, and containers arriving from mpox-affected places, officials said. Anyone who has been in contact with mpox cases or exhibits mpox symptoms should declare themselves to customs officials.

The WHO has urged manufacturers to ramp up production of mpox vaccines to rein in the spread of a more dangerous strain of the virus.