Obligation to Report Infectious Disease Symptoms Onboard Vessels Arriving at Felixstowe and Ipswich Ports
As the Port Health Authority with responsibility for preventing the spread of infectious disease from vessels arriving at the Ports of Felixstowe and Ipswich we are writing to you to remind you of your obligations under the International Health Regulations 2005.
Under The Public Health (Ships) Regulations 1979 (as amended) it is a requirement that any cases or symptoms of infectious disease onboard a vessel are notified to Port Health before the vessel arrives in port.
If symptoms of infectious disease are suspected the Master must submit a completed Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) form to port.health@scpha.gov.uk at least 6 hours before the vessel arrives in port.
Please ensure the email subject line states the vessel name and MDH.
The information provided will be assessed and, if necessary, we will initiate controls to stop disease being introduced into the UK.
Mpox
Earlier this month the World Health Organisation declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
If crew are displaying the below symptoms please declare this to Port Health on the MDH:
- Fever (high temperature)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
- Chills (shivering)
- Exhaustion
- Joint pain
- Rash (this usually appear 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms)
- Lesions – blisters/vesicles, scabs or ulcers.
Information on Mpox can be found here:
Mpox: background information – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and
SCPHA – International Health https://www.porthealth.uk/about-us/#international-health
If you have any questions please contact us.