South Africa on high alert following mpox declared public health emergency of int'l concern

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) this week, South Africa's National Department of Health urged travelers, especially those from mpox-endemic countries, to cooperate with health officials at all ports of entry.

"Although you can't entirely prevent cross-border transmission of diseases, diseases have no boundaries. Working with the Border Management Authority, we have intensified health screening at ports of entry," said department spokesperson Foster Mohale.