West Africa - Ebola Virus - Update

In April 2014 Members were advised about the Ebola Virus outbreak in a number of West African countries. It should be noted that the outbreak is still ongoing and is now the deadliest outbreak of the disease to date. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that as of 30 June 2014 there have been 759 cases of Ebola resulting in 467 deaths.

Cases continue to be reported in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Although such outbreaks are mainly inland, cases have arisen in the ports of Conakry and Monrovia. However, it would appear that Freetown is unaffected at the present time.

WHO does not consider that travel to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone needs to be restricted. Members may nevertheless wish to advise their crews to remain on board when calling at ports in these countries to minimise the risk of them encountering someone who may be carrying the virus, and to postpone any crew changes until clear of the area.

Due to the ever changing nature of the Ebola outbreak, Members with vessels proceeding to the area are advised to check the latest WHO advice in the Disease Outbreak News section of the WHO website, and review the WHO Ebola virus – fact sheet.

Members requiring further assistance should contact the Loss Prevention department.