China identifies cluster of clade Ib mpox infections

China has recently identified a cluster of clade Ib mpox infections, with the source of the infection being traced to a foreign traveler who had visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in an online release on Thursday.

Following the detection of the cluster infections, national and provincial-level collaborative control and prevention measures have been implemented in Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, as well as Beijing and Tianjin. Epidemiological investigations, risk assessment and case diagnoses are currently underway, the China CDC said.

It added that four cases have been confirmed among close contacts of the infected individual. The associated cases are primarily characterized by mild symptoms, including skin rashes and lesions.

As of now, no infections have been reported among general contacts. Those who have tested positive, along with individuals considered at risk, are receiving medical care and are under observation, the China CDC said, adding that the cluster outbreak has been effectively managed.

Clade Ib mpox was first detected in September 2023 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since spread to neighboring countries and beyond Africa starting in July 2024.

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin (such as touching or sex), mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin (such as kissing), and face-to-face interactions. Household members are also at risk.