On the 14th August the WHO announced that the “upsurge of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)”.
With thanks to PandI Liquidores SRL, Buenos Aires for sharing their Circular the Club have been advised of two foreign vessels arriving at Argentine ports in which crewmembers have presented with symptoms compatible with the zoonotic disease, Mpox.
Argentine Health Authorities put each vessel on quarantine pending the outcome of PCR testing of the suspected individuals and examination of the other crew members where there were no symptoms compatible with Mpox. The vessel quarantine was subsequently lifted, although the suspected individuals remained quarantined.
Whilst there have been no specific requirements from the Health Authorities in relation Mpox it is anticipated that “a strong and intransigent reaction” can be expected from the Authorities in the event of there being any suspected or confirmed case on board.
Any compatible symptom on board should be reported to the Health Authorities prior to the vessel’s arrival in Argentina; early symptoms include fever, intense headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, and a lack of energy.
Further details can be found on the WHO website.
Acknowledgements:
With thanks to Club correspondents PandI Liquidores SRL, Buenos Aires for providing this information.
Supportive Information
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