BEIJING: Chinese health authorities have planned to categorise monkeypox in a manner similar to their approach to infectious diseases like Covid-19 from September 20 after surfacing of around 500 cases of the viral infection last month.
The National Health Commission (NHC) disclosed that monkeypox would be placed under the Category B protocols.
Under this classification, Chinese authorities will have the authority to implement emergency measures, such as limiting gatherings, suspending work and school activities, or sealing off affected areas in the event of a disease outbreak.
Presently, Category B infectious diseases include Covid-19, AIDS, and SARS.
The NHC said that since the initial imported case in September 2022 and the emergence of locally transmitted cases in June 2023, over 20 provinces in China have reported instances of monkeypox. These cases have led to persistent outbreaks and concealed transmissions.
Meanwhile, WHO has warned of alarming Covid trends ahead of winter
China classifies infectious diseases into three distinct categories, with category A granting authorities the power to quarantine patients and their close contacts.
China had reclassified the management of Covid-19 from Category A to Category B at the close of 2022, marking the end of nearly three years of stringent restrictions, including citywide lockdowns.
In August, China reported 501 new monkeypox infections, none of which resulted in severe cases or fatalities, as per the Chinese Centre For Disease Control and Prevention's report on September 8.
Originally identified in primates, this virus primarily spreads through close contact with an infected individual. In May, the World Health Organization declared that monkeypox no longer constituted a global public health emergency.
