American P&I: MERS virus situation in South Korea

There have been 181 confirmed cases, with 31 fatalities, up to June 27, 2015

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is considered as the largest outbreak of the virus outside the Middle East. There have been 181 confirmed cases, with 31 fatalities, up to June 27, 2015. Most of the cases to date appear to have involved contact with the virus in a health care facility. The American P&I Club has issued circular to provide latest updates of the virus situation.

Symptoms and precautions

MERS is caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS affects the respiratory system causing severe illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

It has a comparatively high mortality rate since between 3 to 4 persons out of every 10 reportedly contracting MERS has died. Health officials first reported the disease in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. It was originally believed to have originated in Jordan.

Anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present, should practice good hygiene. In addition, contact with camels should be avoided. For seafarers and other personnel joining or leaving ships in the Middle East, the following precautionary measures are suggested:

• wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick; and
• ensure that seafarers relevant vaccinations are up to date before traveling.

Shipping and travel restrictions

Reports from the Clubs correspondents in South Korea and the Managers representative office in Shanghai, China indicate that there are currently no port, shipping, or air travel restrictions for either country at this time.

However, for vessels which have recently visited a port in the Middle East and are bound for South Korea, there is an increased possibility that health inspectors may board the vessel to carry out temperature checks of crew members.

Ship operators and managers should consider advising any vessels that are to visit South Korea to contact the vessels agents prior to arrival to obtain an update of the local situation at the port of call and, in all cases, the personnel onboard should be briefed about the situation and urged to follow the hygiene practices listed above. Members should also consider the effect on crew changes in South Korea, if applicable.

Charterparty clauses concerning infectious diseases

Operators are reminded that the BIMCO Infectious or Contagious Diseases Clauses for Voyage and Time Charter Parties has been developed in response to severe outbreaks of virulent disease. The generic solution offered by BIMCO avoids having to write specific clauses to address individual outbreaks each time they occur.

Nevertheless, should Members have questions or concerns, they are recommended to consult with the Managers to coordinate their efforts, obtain advice and take appropriate measures to best protect their interests.

Source: The American P&I Club