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.  

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)

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 - Fifth Meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee on the Multi-Country Outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) (11 May 2023)
  

• WHO - Multi-country outbreak of mpox, External situation report #20 -13 April 2023
  

• WHO Emergency Committee report and temporary recommendations
  

• 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
  

• 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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.