Marine Medical Solutions (MMS) supports that that while malaria rates overall have not surged, many of the reported cases could have been avoided with proper preventative measures.
According to Dr. Tülsner, CEO and founder of Marine Medical Solutions, many seafarers are contracting malaria because they neglect to take recommended medications and do not adhere to protective measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellent.
As presented by UK P&I Club, malaria prevention methods include:
- Carrying the correct medication for applicable geographic area on board in adequate quantities
- Mosquitoes are attracted by light and areas with stagnant water- care should be taken to ensure there is no stagnant water anywhere on a vessel and that the amount of light, where safe to do so, is reduced
- Ensure that no crew members sleep on deck
- Apply insecticides in cabins
- Use mosquito repellent sprays
- Avoid exposing skin
- Use mosquito nets which have been treated with an effective insecticide (on doors, windows, to sleep under and over ventilation holes, especially at night)
He noted that concerns about side effects from malaria medications often lead crew members to take unnecessary risks, which can result in severe illness. To combat this, he advocated for the presence of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) on vessels, which would facilitate early identification and treatment of potential malaria cases, ultimately protecting crew health and ensuring smooth operations.
While Mpox has only been reported on one vessel and does not currently pose a significant threat, vigilance is still essential. Similarly, Sloth fever, recently in the news, has not yet impacted seafarers, as its transmission relies on specific mosquito species found only in certain regions.
WHO advice on Mpox includes:
Things to do to help the symptoms and prevent infecting others:
Do
- stay home and in your own room if possible
- wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
- wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
- keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
- avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
- use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
- take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores
- take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
Do not
- pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body, and cause sores to become infected; or
- shave areas with sores until scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body).
Dr. Tülsner emphasized the importance of protection against insect bites for seafarers. MMS encourages shipping companies to inform their crews about the risks of malaria and other diseases, stressing the importance of preventative measures.
