The Zika Virus *Update*

Zika Virus: China Adds Singapore to List of Affected Countries – 9 September 2016

Further to our Industry News of 24 March 2016, we have been advised that Chinese authorities have, from 1 September 2016, designated Singapore as being a country which is  affected by Zika virus.

Our correspondents in China have received clarification from China Inspection & Quarantine Services (CIQ) that Singapore would not be considered an actual port of call if the vessel only called at Singapore for bunkering, without persons embarking/disembarking or cargo loading/discharging operations. As such, if the vessel’s previous port of call before bunkering at Singapore is not a Zika affected area, then a mosquito eradication certificate (MEC) is not required.

However, further clarification from CIQ has revealed that the term ‘persons embarking/disembarking’ means any persons, not just crew joining and remaining on board. Therefore if a vessel calls at Singapore for bunkers and anyone boards at Singapore (surveyor(s), bunker barge personnel, chandler, etc.) then an MEC would be required. Since the majority of bunkers-only calls will involve some degree of personnel embarkation, it is presumed that an MEC would be required to cover those calls.

Also, CIQ have stated that if mosquitoes are found during quarantine inspection on arrival in China, then mosquito eradication measures may be taken. Costs for such eradication will be at the vessel’s cost, regardless of whether or not the ship has a valid MEC.

Furthermore, our correspondents believe that the detailed CIQ requirements may vary from port to port. Therefore vessel operators are advised to seek clarification from local agents in once the port of call in China is known.

CIQ have also advised our correspondents that there is no standard format for  MEC. The MEC can be issued by local authorities or third party disinfection companies at Zika affected ports. Correspondents recommend that the MEC should include vessel’s name, port of departure and destination, cargo on board, date of loading etc. The MEC should also contain a statement that the vessel was disinfected against mosquitoes before departure from the Zika affected port

Our thanks to Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd., Beijing, for providing information contained in this Industry News.

Zika Virus – Country Specific Requirements for Port Entry – 24 March 2016

Countries presently not affected by the Zika virus have become increasingly concerned about its potential impact. Some countries are implementing their own strict entry requirements for merchant vessels that have previously called at a Zika affected country.

At present we are aware of requirements being published in China, South Korea and Morocco which are summarised below.

Source of information: Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant – China, Hyopsung Shipping Corporation – Korea,  McLeans – Morocco

The list of affected countries may be subject to change therefore Members are advised to refer to the World Health Organization’s website via the following link:

http://ais.paho.org/phip/viz/ed_zika_countrymap.asp

It is not clear whether all the affected countries will have an eradication service in place.

North has published a detailed article (shown below) “The Zika Virus” which provides information about the steps Members can take to ensure their crews remain safe. The article also provides links to other industry sources of information and guidance.

If Members have further queries on the Zika virus please contact the Club.

Update – 24 February 2016

There has been a lot of press coverage around the world about the recent outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease – Zika virus. In this article we explain the Zika virus and the steps you can take as an individual and on board in order to minimise the potential for infection.

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) has issued an information factsheet in a bid to help seafarers around the world protect themselves from the Zika virus.  A copy of the information factsheet can be accessed by clicking here.

Zika Virus – History

Zika virus was discovered in 1947, but for many years only sporadic human cases were detected in Africa and Southern Asia. In 2007, the first documented outbreak of the Zika virus disease occurred in the Pacific. Since 2013, cases and outbreaks of the disease have been reported from the Western Pacific, the Americas and Africa. Given the expansion of environments where mosquitoes can live and breed, facilitated by urbanisation and globalisation, there is potential for major urban epidemics of Zika virus to occur globally.

The main concerns from a public health point of view are due to the reported link between Zika virus and babies born with underdeveloped brains, known as microcephaly. The concerns are such that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency.

How is it Transmitted?

Zika virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The WHO suggests Zika virus can also be transmitted to humans through blood transfusion, perinatal transmission and sexual contact. However, these modes are very rare.

What are the Symptoms?

The incubation period of Zika virus disease is likely to be a few days and the symptoms are similar to other infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Zika virus is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.

Is There a Vaccine?

There is no specific vaccine currently available.  

Zika Virus Range

Zika virus occurs in tropical areas with large mosquito populations, and is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and Western Pacific (see map below).

CDC Countries that have past or current evidence of Zika virus transmission (as of December 2015).

Focus on Prevention

The precautions that crews should take are similar to those that would be in place if visiting a country where malaria was endemic. As such, crews on ships calling at ports in regions currently affected by the Zika virus should focus on reducing exposure to mosquito bites.

To avoid bites you should cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and hats. Use insect repellents, recommended by the health authorities, and apply them as indicated on the label.  

Using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows and sleeping under mosquito nets can also reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitos.

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites on board also reduces the chance of Zika virus being transmitted, therefore avoid having standing water in save-alls or other exposed containers and cover any containers that may provide breeding sites.

Always refer to the WHO advice on Zika virus which may change as the situation develops.

Some Zika free countries have begun to impose restrictions on vessels arriving from Zika infested countries. For the latest advice on the requirements please visit our website: www.nepia.com/insights/industry-news/

The Zika virus poster was produced by the Ministry of Health

Sources and further information can be found on the following links:

• www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en
• www.cdc.gov/zika
• www.paho.org
• Marine Safety Information Bulletin
• IMO Circular Letter
• MARAD Advisory 2016-02