Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers at Sea: What Operators Need to Know
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
By the MHG Medical Team
Recent monitoring of Ebola activity in parts of Africa, alongside the ongoing presence of Lassa Fever across West African coastal countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Benin, Ghana, Mali and Togo, is a timely reminder that viral haemorrhagic fevers at sea remain a relevant consideration for maritime operators calling at ports in these regions.
The overall risk to most vessels remains low. However, being aware of the basics is good operational practice.
Affected Regions
Ebola activity has been monitored in parts of Central and West Africa. Lassa Fever is endemic across West Africa and currently at elevated levels in several coastal countries where vessels regularly call. Operators should stay informed through WHO and CDC advisories when trading in these areas.
Common Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Crews facing viral hemorrhagic fever at sea may first notice symptoms that resemble more common maritime illnesses that can resemble more common maritime illnesses: fever above 38°C, severe headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle pain. The key differentiator is epidemiological context, including recent travel to an affected region or contact with a suspected case within the last 21 days should always be considered alongside clinical presentation.
Standard Preventive Practices
Good infection prevention and hygiene remain the most effective first line of defence. Key practices include pre-boarding health screening for passengers and crew, clear procedures for identifying and isolating a suspected case, adequate PPE stocks onboard, and 24/7 access to medical and infectious disease expertise.
At MHG, we support our partners with round-the-clock telemedicine access to infectious disease specialists and ongoing global health surveillance to keep operators informed as situations develop.
For those seeking more detailed guidance, our Integrated Outbreak Prevention Protocol for Communicable Diseases is available as a resource covering in-depth procedures for every phase of response.
Download MHG's Integrated Outbreak Protocol Step-by-step guidance from pre-boarding screening to controlled evacuation.