Crew training and health care on board vessels are essential for safe trading
The Skuld P&I Club has issued a renew warning on MERS virus following health update from the NSA.
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illnessfirst reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a coronavirus calledMERS-CoV. The symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing andfever. Timely diagnosis of the virus and general treatment can be life-saving,there is a 30% mortality.
The source of the virus is unknown but it is believed to come from an animalsource. In addition to humans, MERS-CoV has been found in camels in Qatar,Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and a bat in Saudi Arabia. Camels in a few othercountries have also tested positive for antibodies to MERS-CoV, indicatingthey were previously infected with MERS-CoV or a closely related virus.
The Club advises operators calling at ports in affected areas to remind their crew to:
|
Further information may be found at the following sources:
Skuld P&I Club – renewed warning on MERS virus
NSA – Security Health Update on MERS virus
World Health Organization – MERS- CoV
Image Credit: WHO
