Skuld P&I Club alerts operators and advises preventative measures
The risk of malaria infection continues to be a real risk for seafarers calling at a number of places around the world. Malaria remains one of the most serious diseases in the world and good preventative steps will help to keep crew safe.
Malaria is present in almost one hundred countries and threatens half of the world’s population. According to WHO’s latest estimates, about 198 million cases of malaria occurred in 2013 (range: 124 – 283 million) and the disease caused an estimated 584000 deaths (range: 367000 – 755000), mostly in children under five years of age. WHO recommends a multi-pronged strategy to prevent, control and eliminate malaria, which includes vector control interventions, preventive therapies, diagnostic testing and treatment with quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), as well as strong malaria surveillance.
The Skuld P&I Club recommends the following steps that operators can take to protect vessels and crews will include the physical blocking of malaria carrying mosquitos, repellents as well as the use of preventive medication.
- be aware of the risk, ensure the crew is aware of the risk
- use the CDC’s tools to check for particular risk areas
- ensure that the accommodation block, especially cabins are either closed or use screens (screen doors, netting) to prevent access to mosquitos
- during day time, crew should use insect repellent on exposed skin and re-apply the same frequently (within safe parameters)
- minimise the amount of exposed skin by wearing appropriate clothing
- at night time / for crew asleep, the use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are recommended
- use anti-malaria medicines (but check for crew allergies before use and counter indications during use)
Find more information about the disease on the following sources:
WHO – http://www.who.int/topics/malaria/en/
CDC – http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/index.html
