China tightens border checks against polioviruses

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's customs authority has rolled out enhanced screening and quarantine measures for travelers and goods arriving from polio-affected countries or regions.

The measures were announced after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of international poliovirus spread remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Effective from Thursday, travelers from polio-affected countries who have been in contact with polio cases or display symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, neck stiffness, limb pain or flaccid paralysis are required to proactively declare their condition to customs upon entry, the General Administration of Customs said in a statement.

The administration also ordered sanitation treatment for inbound vehicles, containers, goods, luggage, and parcels that are, or may be, contaminated if they originate from polio-affected countries or regions.

The measures will remain in effect for one year and will also apply to any additional countries or regions that the WHO may designate as polio-affected during this period.