Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Introduction

The Club notes recent reports of outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of Central and East Africa. Members should refer to the latest updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and relevant national public health authorities for current outbreak information. The situation remains under international public health monitoring.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness that can affect humans and certain animals. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, organs, or other contaminated materials of an infected person or animal. Unlike respiratory illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19, Ebola is not considered an airborne disease. The risk to casual contacts is generally low, and transmission typically requires close physical contact with an infected individual or contaminated materials.

Symptoms typically develop between 2 and 21 days following exposure and may initially resemble influenza-like illness. Symptoms can include:

• fever;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• muscle aches;
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; and
• in severe cases, multi-organ dysfunction and, less commonly, bleeding manifestations.

Preventative Measures

The preventive measures and medical guidance below are based on publicly available WHO information and have been reviewed and supplemented by Medical Rescue International, the Club's UK-based medical advisory partner.

Members may wish to consider:

• encouraging regular hand hygiene practices onboard;
• ensuring appropriate onboard sanitation and housekeeping standards are maintained;
• avoiding direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals;
• ensuring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable gloves, fluid-resistant masks, eye protection and protective gowns where available, is accessible for personnel assisting unwell individuals;
• promptly isolating crew members displaying compatible symptoms and minimising direct contact with others pending medical assessment;
• ensuring prompt medical reporting through onboard and company procedures;
• seeking medical advice through the vessel's established telemedical assistance service (TMAS) or other designated medical provider without delay where concerns arise;
• maintaining appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices for potentially contaminated areas and materials;
• handling potentially contaminated waste, clothing and cleaning materials with appropriate precautions and disposing of them in accordance with company procedures and local public health requirements;
• remaining aware of local port health requirements and reporting obligations in affected regions; and
• seeking prompt medical advice where compatible symptoms develop following travel to, residence in, or direct contact with individuals from affected areas.

Where a crew member develops compatible symptoms, masters and operators should follow company procedures and seek appropriate medical advice without delay. Assessment should consider both the individual's symptoms and any relevant exposure history, including recent travel to affected areas or contact with potentially infected individuals.

Consideration should also be given to notifying local port health authorities where required by applicable regulations or local public health requirements.

Vessels Trading in the Region

Members whose ships are trading within the region should remain particularly vigilant, continue to follow their company procedures, and seek appropriate medical advice where necessary. They should also remain aware of current public health guidance through their local agents or the Club’s correspondents and maintain appropriate infection prevention measures on board (see above), particularly when operating in affected areas.

There may also be considerations around charterparty and contract of carriage rights and obligations.  For example, an outbreak at a specific port may render it unsafe and the BIMCO Infectious or Contagious Diseases Clauses for Time and Voyage Charterparties will be relevant if incorporated.  A vessel’s later trading pattern may also be affected as ports respond to a real or perceived threat, for example through quarantine measures, which may give rise to disputes over delays and off-hire.  Complications may arise if stowaways are subsequently found on vessels which have called to an affected area.

Whilst at the time of writing there are no specific ports which appear to be impacted, if the situation deteriorates members who may be affected are encouraged to communicate with their regular contacts at the Club for advice.  Updated information and guidance will be published on the Club’s website.

Supportive Information
For further information on this or other Loss Prevention topics please contact the Loss Prevention Department, Steamship Insurance Management Services Ltd.
Tel: +44 20 7247 5490
Email: [email protected]

Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Medical Rescue International for their continued support, valuable feedback and expertise to this Information Notice.

Disclaimer:
The information contained in this publication is provided for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content at the time of publication, no guarantee is given that the information is complete, current or applicable to all circumstances.