The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent Mpox clade 1b strain outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. This is due to a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes.
Correspondents have reported new requirements for vessels calling at Chittagong.
The Chittagong port authorities have issued a circular that outlines the following requirements:
- All vessels are required to submit a declaration of actual or suspected MPox cases on board to Port Control prior dropping anchor.
- Crew will not be granted shore passes without prior approval of the Port Health Officer.
- Crew signing off a vessel will require a health check by the Port Health Officer prior to being allowed to exit from immigration gate (Gate No.1) of Chittagong Port.
- Any information regarding crews showing symptoms of Mpox should be sent immediately be to the Port Control Room (Tel: 02333326916, VHF Channel-12) and to the Port Health Officer.
Where symptoms of Mpox are suspected onboard a vessel the movement and cargo operations of the ship in question could be delayed subject to a Port Health Officer inspection.
Full advisory at the following link.