Marine Advisory: 27/2024 - Advisory on Monkeypox Outbreak

HE EPUBLIC OF LIBERIA Dulles, Virginia 20166, USATel: +1 703 790 3434

R

26 August 2024

MARINE ADVISORY: 27/2024

SUBJECT: Advisory on Monkeypox Outbreak

REF: a) World Health Organization News Release (14 August 2024): WHO DirectorGeneral declares Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

TO: OWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS OF LIBERIAN FLAGGED VESSELS

The World Health Organization (“WHO”) recently declared its highest global alert level considering a surge in the number of cases of monkeypox (“Mpox”) and the threat of a new pandemic it poses. The virus has spread rapidly through thirteen (13) countries, including regions where cases had never been reported before, according to the WHO.

Pursuant to WHO’s indications, when a case of Mpox is suspected onboard a vessel, only authorized health personnel should be allowed to board and no one should be allowed to get off until the status of person/s with suspected symptoms has been determined.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease. Transmission to humans can occur through contact with infected wild animals, people infected by the virus, and contaminated materials. The incubation period can range from five (5) to twenty-one (21) days, while the most common symptoms include skin rashes or skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes (glands), fever, body aches, headache, chills, and exhaustion. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals: lesions may be very itchy or painful.

There is currently no vaccine against monkeypox. However, the smallpox vaccine is said to be 85% effective in prevention.

For further information regarding the issuance of this Advisory, contact MLC@liscr.com.