Disease outbreaks – advice for shipping
This page contains updates and links to information on disease outbreaks, including information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and guidance to the maritime sector.
Mpox
Mpox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Latest WHO update
Please find the latest information provided by WHO below:
WHO - Mpox Key facts (26 August 2024)
WHO - WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (14 August 2024)
WHO - Multi-country outbreak of mpox, External situation report#35- 12 August 2024
WHO mpox technical briefing for the transport and tourism sector
IMO information
IMO has issued a Circular Letter which contains guidance issued by the WHO.
Additional information
Please see additional information below:
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) 26 May 2022 - MULTI-COUNTRY MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK IN NON-ENDEMIC COUNTRIES
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Read more here.
Please find the resources and information provided by IMO about the COVID-19 pandemic here.
Please note: The WHO Director-General determines that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Read more: Statement on the fifteenth meeting of the IHR (2005) Emergency Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic (5 May 2023).
Latest WHO update
Please find the latest information provided by WHO below:
- Standing recommendations of WHO valid until 30 April 2025: covid-19_standing-recommendations_9-august-2023.pdf (who.int)
Marburg virus disease
Marburg virus disease is an epidemic-prone disease associated with high case-fatality rates (CFR 24-90%). It is caused by the same family of viruses (Filoviridae) as Ebola virus disease and is clinically similar. Marburg virus infection often results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies.
Latest WHO update
WHO - Marburg virus disease - Equatorial Guinea - Equatorial Guinea declares the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak (9 June 2023)
WHO - Marburg virus disease - the United Republic of Tanzania - end of first documented outbreak of Marburg virus disease (2 June 2023)
African swine fever
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It is responsible for serious economic losses and can severely impact a country's pig farming and processing industries.
Please find more information provided by IMO here.
Please find more information provided by World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) here.