China intensifies quarantine to block yellow fever

China's top quarantine watchdog on Thursday urged intensified efforts to prevent the entry of yellow fever from Sudan.

A total of 329 suspected cases, including 97 deaths, have been reported in Sudan as of Nov. 11, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on its website, citing a World Health Organization report.

The administration asked local authorities to boost body temperature monitoring and other medical inspections for travelers from Sudan.

Travelers from Sudan must inform China's entry-exit inspection and quarantine institutions if they develop related symptoms, such as fever and jaundice, the administration said in the statement, adding that infected travellers should be isolated immediately.

The administration also urged local authorities to step up quarantine inspections over vehicles and containers coming from Sudan to prevent the spread of yellow fever.

Yellow fever is a disease spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms take three to six days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache and muscle aches.

Chinese travelers to Sudan are advised to get vaccinated against yellow fever and to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, according to the statement.