REPRESENTATIVES OF the local shipping industry have been sensitised about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the pneumonia-like illness affecting several countries, including some of Jamaica's trading partners.
Ministry of Health (MOH) officer, Dr. Erica Hedmann, in addressing persons from the industry at a workshop last Monday, April 14, said that although the cause of SARS is uncertain, it is believed to be a mutant of the common cold virus and therefore is theorised to be transmitted through close contact with an infected person whether through coughing, sneezing or exchange of bodily secretions.
The meeting involving members of the Shipping Association of Jamaica was held in Newport West.
Responding to concerns about the contamination of cargo coming from affected countries such as Japan, the MOH officer pointed out that it was improbable that the virus could survive on inanimate objects for long periods, but she cautioned that good hygiene was the best preventative measure.
A communiqué from the Ministry stipulates "the captain of a vessel approaching Jamaica from a country affected by SARS shall ascertain the state of health of all persons on board. Where there is any sick person indicated by the captain or ship's surgeon this must be indicated in the schedule to the Declaration of Health and this information must also be relayed by fax or radio to the Port Health Officer (PHO) at least four hours before expected arrival. Where symptoms are consistent with SARS, the PHO shall immediately notify the MOH for the parish who shall cause the necessary investigation".
Giving an update on the MOH response, Dr. Hedmann said a public education programme was under way and there were hospitals designated to deal with any potential SARS cases.
Dr. Hedmann suggested that the shipping community assist with the preventative programme by advising MOH of vessels arriving from affected areas and educating staff on what to look for and the measures to prevent infection and possible outbreak. A commitment was given to initiate an awareness campaign for workers in the shipping industry and comply with the Ministry's guidelines.
To date, more than 3,000 SARS cases have been reported in 19 countries worldwide, with over 100 deaths.
