Guinea

Illness breakout

Members may be aware that there is presently a break out of a haemorrhagic fever in the West African Nation of Guinea. The pathogen has not been conclusively identified at this stage, but it could be an outbreak of the disease known as Ebola.

At present there have been reports of a number of outbreaks including in the capital Conakry, and a spread to neighbouring Libera. A number of fatalities have been reported.

Following developments, the Association understands that the country of Senegal has closed its borders with Guinea.

A further development is that authorities in Dakar are paying extra attention to vessels coming from Guinea. Usually, sanitary controls are made at quay, but now for vessels coming from Guinea, sanitary control is to be undertaken at anchorage before providing authorization to proceed to berth.

The Association is closely following the situation with its Correspondents and will provide further information once available.

Members may also wish to have reference to the accompanying bulletin republished with the kind permission of the Norwegian Shipowner's Association for further information.

At this stage, Members would be well advised to proceed prudently and cautiously. This is the time to remind crew of good personal hygiene on board a vessel as well as basic precautions to take for personal health care.

Viruses may be spread by close personal contact between persons, and crew may wish to consider these before taking shore leave.

For further information, Members are advised to contact the Association: lossprevention@skuld.com

Attachment: NSA update on Guinea 1 April 2014