Precaution to be applied on board when a seafarer presents EVD
The World Health Organization has posted informationregarding safety measures in the event of a seafarer presenting symptoms compatible with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) (fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding) on board a vessel.
The following precautions should be applied:
- Keep his/her cabin doors closed, if not placed in a medical isolation room on board.
- Provide information about the risk of Ebola transmission to persons who will take care of the seafarer or enter the isolation area.
- A log listing all people entering the cabin should be maintained.
- Anyone who enters the cabin to provide care to the person in isolation or to clean the cabin should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) with:
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- A surgical protection mask; and eye protection or a face shield;
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- Non-sterile examination gloves or surgical gloves; and
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- Disposable impermeable gown to cover clothing and exposed skin. A waterproof apron should be worn over a non-impermeable gown or when coming in close contact with the person in isolation.
- Before exiting the isolation the PPE should be removed in such a way as to avoid contact with the soiled items and any area of the face.
- Limit the movement and transport of the seafarer from the cabin for essential purposes only. If transport is necessary, the seafarer should wear a surgical mask.
- Clean and disinfect spills without spraying or creating aerosol. Used linen, cloths, eating utensils, laundry and any other item in contact with a seafarer’s body fluids should be collected separately and disinfected in such a way as to avoid any creation of aerosol or any contact with persons or contamination of the environment. An effective disinfectant is adilution of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at 0.05 or 500 parts per million (ppm) available chlorine, with a recommended contact time of 30 minutes.
- All waste produced in the isolation cabin should be handled according to the protocol of the ship for clinical waste. If an incinerator is available on board, then waste should be incinerated. If waste needs to be delivered ashore, then special precautions are needed and the port authority should be informed before waste delivery.
- Start case investigation immediately. Protective equipment is not required when interviewing asymptomatic individuals, when a distance of one (1) meter is maintained.
- Close contacts should be identified and asked to do passive self-monitoring of temperature (e.g. monitoring temperature only if feeling feverish) and symptoms or active self-monitoring (e.g. by regular temperature measurement twice a day for 21 days).
Find further details on how to ensure the safety of a vessel and its crew members in case of Ebola infection by clicking here.
Source: RMI
