Mpox infections linked to foreign traveler

China has reported a cluster of mpox infections linked to a foreign traveler who had recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

Following the detection of the infections, national and provincial health authorities have implemented coordinated control measures in Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, as well as in Beijing and Tianjin. Efforts include epidemiological investigations, risk assessments and case diagnoses, the China CDC said.

Four cases have been confirmed to be close contacts of the infected individual. All associated cases have displayed mild symptoms, including skin rashes and lesions, according to health officials.

No infections have been reported among general contacts, the CDC said. Those who have tested positive, along with individuals considered at risk, are receiving medical treatment and remain under health observation. Authorities added that the cluster outbreak is under control.

Clade Ib mpox was first detected in the DR Congo in September 2023. Since July last year, it has spread to neighboring countries and beyond Africa.

The World Health Organization says mpox primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, kissing and other interactions involving direct physical contact. Household members are also at risk.

Li Shangyi contributed to this story.