Seoul classifies mpox as infectious disease subject to border screening

The clade I mpox variant, which is thought to be more severe, has been spreading rapidly across Africa. PHOTO: EPA-EFE via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

SEOUL — South Korea will classify mpox as an infectious disease subject to border screening from Aug 21.

Passengers flying from eight African nations will have to report to officials if they are experiencing mpox symptoms, said health authorities on the afternoon of Aug 20.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the decision comes after the World Health Organization declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” last week.

READ: 1st mpox case in the Philippines for 2024 detected – DOH

Under the strengthened surveillance measures, those flying into South Korea from eight African countries and experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck must report to quarantine officers upon entry as the clade I mpox variant, which is thought to be more severe, has been spreading rapidly across Africa.

The countries are Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Kenya, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

READ: Mpox is now a global health emergency, will it trigger another pandemic?

Epidemic investigation officers and public health doctors will also be stationed at the arrival gate for those flying in from Ethiopia to respond and monitor arriving passengers swiftly, according to the KDCA. It also plans to implement supplementary monitoring measures, such as inspecting wastewater from planes.