Japan Outlines Strategy To Fight Possible Arrival Of Monkeypox
A government task force has confirmed how Japan will respond if any suspected cases of monkeypox are detected in the country.
The task force, headed by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management, Murata Takashi, met for talks on Monday. It is comprised of senior officials from relevant government offices.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Isozaki Yoshihiko told reporters the task force will work with international organizations to collect data on monkeypox patients outside Japan to learn how other countries are dealing with the disease.
Isozaki said the government will continue to provide accurate information to the public and steadily implement warnings about the disease for people entering and leaving Japan.
He said the task force will prepare for Japan's first suspected case of monkeypox by determining testing methods for the disease and setting up medical institutions that accept patients.
Isozaki added that Japan has no confirmed monkeypox cases at this point, but the government will continue to monitor trends outside the country. He said relevant ministries and agencies will maintain close contact to respond appropriately.
When asked by reporters about border controls to address monkeypox, Isozaki said Japan has strengthened monitoring.
He said people entering Japan from overseas are encouraged to inform officials if they feel unwell.