Skuld P&I Club advises measures for the crew
The French Ministry of Health has recently published an alert about the continued risk of the mosquito born chikungunya virus, with respect to outbreaks in the French West Indies and French Guyana.This virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and at present there is no vaccine or cure.
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Chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged to weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue occurs. |
While this virus is not typically fatal, and most people recover after a while, the debilitating effects can be serious. During the height of an infection, crewmen may not be able to effectively and safely carry out their duties and should be given sufficient rest, especially if seriously weakened or feverish.
An outbreak which affects several crew at the same time could have a significant operational impact on the vessel, and therefore it is important to guard against such a virus.
Therefore, theSkuld P&I Club advises crew to take the following steps to ensure their health and welfare when calling at ports in countries where such mosquito borne diseases are present.
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Should any crewman fall sick, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice. Any on board treatment should always be in co-ordination with the advice of a qualified health care professional. In case of serious situations, it may be necessary to consider an urgent recourse to shore side medical facilities and / or evacuation from the vessel.
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Important to note is that aspirin may not be an appropriate medicine for a person suspected to suffer from the chikungunya virus due to its anti-blood clotting properties. |
Image Credit: WHO
Chikungunya has been identified in nearly 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and also in the Americas. The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between four and eight days but can range from two to 12 days.
Learn more information about Chikungunya outbreak by clicking at the following articles:
The Skuld P&I Club – Chikungunya virus
World Health Organization – Chikungunya key facts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Posters for airline and cruise ship passengers
