On September 13, China’s General Administration of Customs issued a directive aimed at preventing the entry of polio into the country.
This action follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration in August 2024, which stated that the continued transmission of poliovirus remains a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” This conclusion was reached during the 39th meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee. Since the previous meeting, the WHO has reported 12 new cases of wild poliovirus type 1: five from Afghanistan and seven from Pakistan. Additionally, in 2024, one country reported cases of type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus, while 13 countries reported cases of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus.
To safeguard public health, China has issued the following measures:
Individuals entering China from polio-affected regions, especially those who have had contact with polio cases or show symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, neck stiffness, limb pain, or flaccid paralysis, are required to report their condition to customs officials. Medical assessments and tests will be carried out in accordance with relevant regulations.
Transportation vehicles, containers, goods, and items coming from polio-affected areas that are contaminated or potentially contaminated must undergo disinfection procedures as prescribed by regulations.
This directive takes effect immediately and will remain in force for six months. It applies to any countries or regions that the WHO newly identifies as experiencing polio outbreaks during this period.
