Many of the world’s mosquito species can transmit a number of diseases, of which malaria and dengue are the most common today and the ones most likely to affect seafarers, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Falling ill at sea or at a port far away from home can be a very difficult situation for the seafarer and /her family and a challenge for the remaining crew and the ship operator. Besides the guidelines and advice on preventive measures available in the International Medical Guide for Ships, published by WHO, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,), provides general health information to the public. Dedicated pages on malaria and dengue also include links to interactive “health maps” that can be used as a guide for the assessment of malaria and dengue risk throughout the world (malaria:dengue:)
Recommended precautions
Although the best protection against mosquito-transmitted diseases is to avoid being bitten during a stay in malaria and dengue affected areas, measures implemented prior to and after a stay in such areas can also contribute to reducing the risk of contracting the illnesses. Prior to a stay in malaria and dengue affected areas:
During a stay in malaria and dengue affected areas
1. Implement measures to avoid mosquito bites by ensuring that the crew:
2. If crew members are taking anti-malarial drugs, implement a method of control to ensure they take the medication at the prescribed times, e.g., a logbook maintained by a responsible officer.
