China Plans to Contain Monkeypox Using COVID-19 Measures

Chinese health authorities indicated on Friday that "the country plans to contain monkeypox in the same manner it addressed other infectious diseases like COVID-19, starting from September 20, after nearly 500 cases were reported last month." The National Health Commission stated in a release that "monkeypox will be classified as a Class B infectious disease and will be handled according to the protocols of this category." Under this classification, China can implement emergency measures such as banning gatherings, suspending work and schools, or closing certain venues in the event of an outbreak. Currently, Class B infectious diseases include COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and severe respiratory syndrome (SARS). The Commission noted: "More than 20 provinces in China have reported monkeypox cases since the first imported case on September 20, 2022, with the beginning of local transmission occurring in June 2023, leading to an ongoing spread of the disease and transmission."