These Asian nations have increased precautions

Countries in Asia have stepped up precautions after cases of the new, more lethal strain of mpox, known as Clade 1b, were recently found outside the African continent.

At least four countries have recently reported cases of mpox outside the African continent: Thailand, the Philippines, Sweden and Pakistan.

Thailand, which confirmed its first case of the strain on Thursday, will strengthen surveillance and control measures at its international airports.

Travelers from countries experiencing mpox outbreaks must register on the Ministry of Health's online platform before departing for Thailand and will be required to undergo a health screening upon arrival. Visitors who show mpox symptoms will be quarantined.

Those arriving from countries where there are outbreaks will have their skin examined and their temperature taken. The government has also prepared a quarantine centre in case of a widespread outbreak.

The first and only Clade 1b strain detected so far in Thailand was found in a 66-year-old European man who arrived from Africa.

Singapore stepped up its precautionary measures against mpox on Thursday. Temperature and visual checks will be implemented for incoming travelers and crew arriving from flights at certain airports, the country's Ministry of Health said. Travelers who develop rash, fever or other mpox symptoms will be referred for medical evaluation.

That said, there are currently no direct flights between Singapore and any country experiencing an MPOX outbreak.

Similar screening procedures will also be in place at maritime checkpoints for those arriving on ships from areas affected by the human immunodeficiency virus. As of Thursday, the country has detected 13 cases of “less severe” Clade 2 infections this year, the health ministry said. There have been no cases of the Clade 1b strain so far.

The Korea Disease Control Agency has redesignated mpox as a quarantinable infectious disease, health authorities in the country said Tuesday.

Incoming travellers from eight African countries will be required to report to quarantine officials if they have mpox symptoms, including arrivals from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Kenya, Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Epidemiologists and public health doctors will be deployed at the gates for direct flights from Ethiopia at Incheon Airport, Seoul's main international airport. South Korea has not had any cases of the Clade 1b variant.

Although the Philippines has not yet implemented specific preventive measures at its airports, a Philippine senator recently called on schools to implement stricter sanitary and hygiene measures. He also reiterated his call for the establishment of a Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which aims to prevent all diseases of public health importance.

The Philippines reported its first MPOX case of the year this week, though the country's health minister said it was the mild Clade 2 variant. The country has had 10 lab-confirmed cases since July 2022, according to Reuters.

For Malaysia, travelers from countries that have reported cases of mpox should monitor their health for 21 days after arriving in Malaysia, the country's Ministry of Health said.

Those with a “history of risky activities” and who show symptoms of mpox are advised to get tested at a health facility. Malaysia has not yet reported any cases of the Clade 1b variant.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection It is spread through close contact and can cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Although it is usually mild, it can be fatal.