Mpox control protocol released

People who are infected with mpox and only have mild symptoms can self-quarantine at their homes, according to the newly released mpox control protocol.

The protocol, issued on Thursday by the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control and National Health Commission, said when suspected or confirmed cases of mpox are identified, local authorities should transfer them to medical institutions for quarantine and treatment.

If the patients' symptoms improve, they can return to their home for quarantine and their quarantine can end when they fully recover.

During home quarantine the patients should live in separate rooms and should not go to public places, reducing direct contact with family members.

Disease control authorities or medical institutions should call on or visit patients on the seventh, 14th and 21st day.

The patients' close contacts should monitor their health for 21 days.

The protocol said the mpox is mainly transmitted through man-to-man sexual contact and the general public has low risks of infections.

Most people can recover from the disease by themselves, but people with low immunity, such as children and pregnant women can develop severe symptoms or even die from the disease.

Local authorities should report to the public health emergency information management system within two hours after confirmed cases have been found.