West Africa: Ebola Virus *Update*

Thursday, 14 January 2016

Today the WHO declared the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Liberia and says all known chains of transmission have been stopped in West Africa.

Today marks the first time since the start of the epidemic two years ago that all three of the hardest-hit countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) have reported zero cases for at least 42 days.  However, the WHO still recommends visitors to West Africa should remain vigilant at all times.

A copy of WHO’s press release can be accessed by clicking here.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

On 19 November 2015, Liberia identified a new “flare-up” of Ebola after stopping transmission in September.

The three new Ebola cases in Liberia come less than a week after Guinea said it had no more Ebola patients and began the 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free.  Liberia must now recommence the 42-day countdown before the WHO can declare it to be Ebola-free.

Thursday, 12 November 2015

The WHO have declared Sierra Leone free of Ebola virus transmission on 7 November 2015, as a period of 42 days have passed since the last negative test. The country has now entered a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance, which is due to conclude on 5 February 2016.

Meanwhile, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has issued a circular making it compulsory to submit a Maritime Health Declaration for all ships that have called at an Ebola affected country.  A copy of the circular can be read here.

Thursday, 10 September 2015

The WHO have declared Liberia free of Ebola virus transmission on 3 September 2015, as a period of 42 days have passed since the second negative test on 22 July 2015 laboratory-confirmed case.

Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Sierra Leone celebrated an important milestone on Monday 24 August 2015. For the first time in more than a year, there are no people being treated for Ebola virus disease and no confirmed cases of Ebola in the country.  If no further cases of Ebola are recorded over the next 42 days, the WHO will declare the country Ebola free.  Guinea remains to be an Ebola affected country.

Members are advised to take standard sanitary precautions as detailed below.

Further details can be found on the World Health Organization website.

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

On 9 May the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared Liberia an Ebola free country after a period of 42 days since the last laboratory confirmed case was recorded.

Liberia is the third country declared Ebola free after Senegal on 17 October and Nigeria three days later on 20 October 2014.

While WHO is confident that Liberia has interrupted the transmission of Ebola, outbreaks persist in neighbouring Guinea and Sierra Leone, creating a high risk that infected people may cross into Liberia over the region’s borders.

However, as there is still a risk of reintroduction of Ebola into Liberia, infection prevention measures have been heightened including rigorous sanitary checks at border crossings and ports.  The current advice from local P&I correspondents remains to be as follows:

• Keep visitors on board to the minimum (officials, agent, stevedores etc.)
• Install hand washing facilities at the top of the gangway 
• Do not allow visitors to have access to the accommodation 
• Conduct all official business / paper work / signings in a dedicated area that is regularly cleaned / disinfected
• Suspend crew shore leave
• Avoid contact with symptomatic patients and their bodily fluids
• Avoid contact with corpses and/or bodily fluids from deceased patients
• Avoid close contact with live or dead wild animals (including monkeys, forest antelopes, rodents and bats)
• Avoid consumption of “bush meat”
• Avoid taking stores / water
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before consumption
• Practise safe sex
• Follow strict hand washing routines throughout the vessel
• Use protective gloves / masks / goggles / boots etc. as necessary 
• Report any suspected crew illness immediately to the Master.

North has also published a useful fact sheet that can be printed out and placed in prominent places throughout the ship.  The fact sheet is a valuable educational tool and we are encouraging all Members to draw their crew’s attention to its content.  A link to both the A4 and A3 versions can be found below.

Ebola Virus Disease Information Sheet (A4: 210 x 297mm)

Ebola Virus Disease Information Sheet (A3: 297 x 420mm)

The fear of stowaways being infected with Ebola, has resulted in significant complications to the stowaway repatriation process throughout the region.

Members should therefore instruct their crews to be vigilant and maintain strict gangway watches throughout the vessel’s stay in West African ports.  It is also essential that crews maintain a proper deck watch so that stowaways are not able to climb up the ship’s side or mooring lines unseen.

The Club’s Loss Prevention Briefing on the topic of stowaways can be read here.

The World Health Organisation dedicated website remains to be the most up to date source of information and can be accessed at: http://apps.who.int/ebola/

It is recommended that Members first check the current situation with local port agents in advance of calling at any port in West Africa.

Friday, 24 October 2014

On 20 October 2014, the WHO officially declared Nigeria Ebola-free having passed the mandatory period with no new cases.  A total of 42 days after  the  last confirmed case of the virus was discharged from hospital, Nigeria is the second West African country to be declared Ebola-free after Senegal on 17 October 2014.  Meanwhile, local authorities have confirmed the first reported case of Ebola in Guinea’s neighbour Mali.

Local P&I correspondent (Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L.) has been in contact with the Argentinian Pilots Association and advises that, unless Pilot companies receive instructions from local Sanitary Authorities, they will not make any changes to their 30 day quarantine period irrespective of the above declarations.  The Argentinian Sanitary Authorities are presently working on new protocols, so their position may be subject to change.

Members should therefore contact their local port agent and/or P&I correspondents for the most up to date information.

Pilot Association Notice of Quarantine Period Requirements

Tuesday, 30 September 2014 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have issued Port Marine Circular No.12 of 2014 which advises of the compulsory maritime health declaration required by vessels that have been to Ebola Virus Disease affected countries in the previous 21 days.

The circular can be downloaded here.  

Tuesday 23 September 2014

We have received updates from Ivory P&I and the South American P&I Correspondents (SAPIC) summarising the special measures that are currently in place in West Africa and South America.  Ivory P&I have produced a very useful map of the areas affected by the disease and this can be viewed here.  The circular issued by SAPIC can be read  here.

Friday, 12 September 2014 

The fear of stowaways being infected with Ebola, is resulting in significant complications to the stowaway repatriation process. These may include:

• Port Health Authority reluctance to accept stowaways
• Additional health and sanitary screening resulting in delays
• Potential on board quarantine for stowaways suspected of having contracted Ebola
• Security guards unwillingness to escort stowaways being repatriated to countries affected by Ebola
• Limited number of scheduled flights throughout West Africa resulting in delays to the ship
• A lack of suitable quarantine facilities at West African airports.

Members should instruct their crews to be vigilant and maintain strict gangway watches throughout their vessel’s stay in port.  If any person boarding the vessel (stevedores, agents, ship chandlers, cleaners, immigration, ship repairers and contractors) does not have a proper port permit then the person should be refused access to the vessel.

After the completion of cargo operations, the crew should perform a thorough stowaway search.  Enhanced security should be maintained until the vessel clears port limits.

In order to minimise the potential risk of a stowaway boarding the vessel, P&I correspondents suggest that the Members should consider employing the services of a private security company.

North’s Loss Prevention Briefing on the topic of stowaways can be read here.

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Members of European P&I Correspondents (EPIC) have provided details of special measures, restrictions and sanitary requirements for gaining free pratique for their individual countries.

A general summary of European port authorities position is as follows:

European countries are presently not banning or restricting vessels that arrive from Ebola affected countries.

Most countries require ships to submit a declaration 24 hours before arrival that includes:

a) Details of the last 10 ports of call.

b) Crew List including the number of passengers.

c) Maritime Declaration of Health confirming that the EVD 21 day incubation period has passed (since the last port of call in West Africa) and that no symptoms have been recorded.

Individual countries will have their own documentation in respect the Maritime Declaration of Health, so Members are advised to check with their port agent well in advance of arrival.

Monday, 8 September 2014

P&I correspondents Budd S.A have reported that the president of Sierra Leone is imposing a period of curfew from 19 to 21 September 2014.  It is not yet know what impact this will have on shipping, but delays can be expected.

The full article can be read here.

A copy of the Ebola Emergency Operations Bulletin can be read here.

Thursday, 28 August 2014

We have received reports that the port of Tomasina, Madagascar does not receive vessels from Ebola affected countries.  This announcement follows similar announcements made by Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun, Cape Verde (for a period of 3 months), Nigeria and  Senegal. 

Meanwhile the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced the first case of the disease, although it is said to be unrelated to the other outbreaks (Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal) and its ports remain open at this time. 

Liberia has imposed a curfew between 21:00 and 06:00 which might result in delays for vessels arriving/departing within these times and stringent medical checks have been implemented, prior to the authorities granting port entry.  Any suspected cases will result in the vessel being quarantined at a safe anchorage for 21 days.

Additional recommendations for vessels calling at West African ports include:

• Cancelling shore leave
• Refraining from purchasing supplies or food.
• Ensuring that the working conditions of Filipino crew members conform to the POEA Guidelines.
• Ensuring that all persons coming on board disinfect their hands or wear gloves.
• Reinforcing measures to prevent stowaways from boarding.

The latest information (dated 22 August 2014) from P&I correspondents (Budd) can be read here.

The latest information (dated 27 August 2014) from P&I correspondents (Eltvedt & O’Sullivan) can be read here.

Monday, 18 August 2014

North has received a number of enquiries from Members regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) presently affecting several countries in West Africa.

To assist Members North has developed a quick reference factsheet on EVD which can be printed onboard and posted at prominent locations on board the vessel.

This factsheet includes a précis of the advice from the World Health Organisation and other industry bodies, such as spotting the symptoms of Ebola.

Members should visit the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO) athttp://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/ and check the latest situation with local agents before calling at an affected area. The EVD situation is developing rapidly. North issues regular updates on the situation on our website.

The factsheet can be downloaded from our website as follows:

Ebola Virus Disease Information Sheet (A4: 210 x 297mm)

Ebola Virus Disease Information Sheet (A3: 297 x 420mm)

Monday 18, August 2014

P&I correspondents (Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L.) have advised that in the absence of official advice from the local authorities, the Argentinean Pilot Association has imposed a restriction on vessels arriving from Ebola affected areas in West Africa. 

The circular issued by the Centro de Navegacion, advises that Pilots in the River Plate Area will not board any vessel until 30 days have elapsed since departure from the last port of call in an affected area.

Members with vessels calling at Argentinean ports should contact their port agent for further advice in advance of their vessel’s arrival.

Friday, 15 August 2014 

P&I correspondents (Brazil P&I) have advised that ANVISA have issued general guidelines to vessels for the Ebola Virus Disease.  Please click here for their general guidelines regarding the Ebola virus.

Thursday, 14 August 2014 

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration have issued a circular providing guidance to all shipping companies and manning agents employing Filipino seafarers on board vessels trading to countries affected by the EVD outbreak.

The circular outlines additional precautions to protect seafarers from the risk of exposure to the disease, that include providing crew Members with medical masks, rubber gloves, goggles and education prior to entering the affected areas.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

We have been advised by Budd Ivory Coast that they have received a circular from the Abidjan Port Authority regarding the Ebola virus. The circular states that as of 10 August 2014, all vessels arriving from a country affected by the Ebola virus are forbidden to enter the port of Abidjan. 

The circular goes on to state that all vessels, no matter where they have come from, are under the obligation to inform the Abidjan Port Authority if any person on board has Ebola-type symptoms.  The port authority will then decide whether the vessel can be allowed into the port.  

Friday, 8 August 2014

On 6 and 7 August, the WHO Director-General convened the Emergency Committee (EC) to discuss the EVD outbreak in West Africa and have declared the outbreak as an ‘extraordinary event’ and a public health risk to other States.  The EC unanimously voted that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have been met and agreed implementation of a 3 part programme of recommendations for states to follow in an effort to halt and reverse the outbreak.

The WHO continue to advise that there should be no general ban on international travel or trade, yet the restrictions outlined in the EC’s recommendations (regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts) are now fully in force.

Until the WHO change their advice and require states to close both borders and air/sea ports, trading and sea-transport will continue to West African ports largely as normal.  The focus at the moment is on the steps that can be taken to minimise exposure to the virus as outlined below. 

Full details of the WHO Director-General’s statement and the individual restrictions for each state to follow can be read here.

Wednesday, 6 August 2014 

As fears continue to grow over the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa, three global shipping organisations have issued joint guidance on the risks posed by ships’ crew calling at countries affected by the disease.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have published steps to minimise risk to ships’ crews and to avoid the spread of the virus via waterborne transport, these include:

1. The Master should ensure that the crew are aware of the risks, how the virus can be spread and how to reduce the risk.

2. The ISPS requirements on ensuring that unauthorised personnel do not board the vessel should be strictly enforced throughout the duration of the vessel being in port.

3. The Master should give careful consideration to granting any shore leave whilst in impacted ports.

4. The shipowner/operator should avoid making crew changes in the ports of an affected country.

5. After departure the crew should be aware of the symptoms and report any occurring symptoms immediately to the person in charge of medical care.

The advice is supplemented with information from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the virus available  here.

The joint advice issued by the ICS, IMEC and ITF can be read here.

Tuesday, 1 August 2014

Our West African Correspondents Eltvedt & O’Sullivan have advised that, the Liberian authorities have reportedly closed the seaport of Monrovia until Monday 4thAugust 2014.

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Our West African Correspondents Eltvedt & O’Sullivan have advised that, according to Médecin Sans Frontière (MSF), the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) continues to spread throughout Western Africa.  As of 23 July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 1201 cases and 672 deaths in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

While the virus appears to be continuing to spread in Sierra Leone and in Liberia, in Guinea the MSF confirms that the number of cases has appreciably decreased and has stabilised in certain regions of the country. 

On 25 July the Nigerian Ministry of Health reported the first probable case of EVD in Lagos and have now closed most of its border crossings and introduced stringent health measures.  Since Friday the country’s airports and seaports have also been placed on “red alert”.

Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency to curb the Ebola outbreak and the epicenters of the outbreak in the east of the country will be quarantined.  The measures follow anti-Ebola policies introduced this week in neighboring Liberia.

Ethiopia and Kenya are to begin screening all passengers arriving from West Africa.

The WHO has published a great deal of valuable information on their website and provide links to other websites at: WHO Ebola Virus Disease Information

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a map of the affected areas and this can be seen on their website at:  http://www.cdc.gov/

Members are refered to the health advice on the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaNHNaC) website at:  http://www.nathnac.org/

For the latest information on the outbreak, please go to the World Health Organisation Regional Office website a:  http://www.afro.who.int/

The WHO has published a set of frequently asked questions concerning EVD and this can be read at Ebola Virus Disease FAQ or follow on Twitter.

The WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.

Thursday, 22 May 2014

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea continues to improve.  No new alerts or cases have been reported from 5 out of the 6 affected areas in the region.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 253 clinical cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), including 176 deaths.  However, local Correspondents (Eltvedt & O’Sullivan) have also advised that generally the situation appears to be stabilising throughout the region.

Members are advised to monitor the WHO regional website for further developments: WHO Regional Office For Africa.  For further information on individual ports, Members should contact the Club’s local Correspondent or port agency.

Monday, 14 April 2014

Most victims of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in the South East region of Guinea.  Local health authorities have also reported suspected cases in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali.

Based on the information currently available, the World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions should be applied to Guinea, Liberia, Mali or Sierra Leone. However, the Club’s local correspondent Eltvedt & O’Sullivan have suggested that all crew members maintain highest level of security throughout their stay in the region.  Additionally, the correspondents recommend conducting a thorough stowaway search prior to the vessel’s departure.

Members are advised to monitor the WHO regional website for further developments: WHO Regional Office For Africa. For further information on individual ports, Members should contact the Club’s local correspondent or port agency.

Tuesday, 1st April 2014

On 27 March the Ministry of Health of Guinea (MOHG) confirmed 4 cases and 1 death from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the capital of Conakry.  Rapid response teams are carrying out further investigations and as of 30 March, the total number of cases in the on-going EVD outbreak in Guinea has increased to 112, including 70 deaths.  Most cases have been reported in the South East districts of Guekedou, Macenta, and Kissidougou.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted countries bordering Guinea to the outbreak and to heighten surveillance for symptoms of EVD.  Both Sierra Leone and Liberia have reported suspected cases and deaths consistent with EVD.  However, both have revised down the number of suspected cases reported previously.  The national authorities of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have now activated their national emergency committees and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) has also deployed experts to support the MOHG.

Whilst the WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, (based on the current information available), Members are advised to monitor the WHO regional website for further developments.  WHO Regional Office For Africa.

For further information on individual ports, Members should contact the Club’s local Correspondent or port Agency.