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BOS-PRD-0304.900001
Version 04. Original date: 25/05/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site.Uncontrolled document when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS QHSE Coordinator. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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4.
6
Ma
l
aria
4.
6
.1
Genera
l
International travel can pose various risks to health. All individuals, including seafarers,
should
receive
advice on potential hazards in their destination and understand how to best protect their health. Planning,
appropriate preventive measures and careful precautions can substantially reduce the risk of accidents and
illness. Although the medical professionals can provide help and advice, it is the seafarers own responsibility
to understand the involved risks and to take the necessary precautions for their journey.
The Company
should
assess the risk of tropical disease during a project risk assessment and as and when
needed or required by the client a Malaria and other tropical diseases management plan
should
be drawn up
and implemented onboard the vessels.
4.
6
.
2
A
f
rican
t
y
p
e o
f
Ma
l
aria
Malaria is the number one infectious disease in sub-Saharan and central Africa. This type of Malaria
(C.Falciparum) can be deadly and is a serious threat to health. Protecting against C.Falciparum (and other
mosquito borne diseases) is as straightforward as A B C D
. Follow the ‘A B C D’
to prevent contracting
Malaria.
‘A’ for Awareness
Malaria is transmitted to human beings by the bite of an infected female mosquito of malaria transmitting
Anopheles species. This disease is preventable and curable. But this disease can kill, early diagnosis and
treatment are essential. Always request a check-up if you are unwell and suspect malaria may be the cause.
Ask for further information if anything is not clear.
Best way to have a quick and certain diagnosis is to have a medical advice by means of a thick and thin
blood smear for malaria parasites. To enable an early diagnosis, malaria rapid tests are available onboard.
This malaria rapid test
shall
be used if medical advice is not immediately possible (e.g. when the vessel is
proceeding).
‘B’ for Bites
Preventing mosquito bites is the most important and effective way to prevent malaria. If you are not bitten,
Malaria and other vector borne tropical diseases are not transmitted. Malaria vector mosquitoes especially
feed between dusk and dawn. Bite prevention is based on very simple rules which
shall
be strictly adhered
to:
x
If not involved in operations outside, remain indoors between dusk and dawn, sleep under an
impregnated mosquito net and/or use insecticides;
x
Wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks, treated with an insecticide adapted for this
purpose, e.g. permethrin before your trip or expatriation (you can wash your clothes several times
before the repellent is not effective anymore);
x
Regularly apply cream or spray based insect repellent to exposed skin (DEET>35% or
ICARIDINE>20%).
‘C’ Chemoprophylaxis
An additional measure is to protect yourself by taking anti-malarial medication. The chemoprophylaxis is an
integral part of the Malaria Control Program and some Charterers require any individual who wants to work in
Sub-Saharan Africa to take malaria medication. Their requirement has to be respected unless the Bridging
Document states differently. In many areas, any individual who fails to take his/her anti-malarial medication
may be removed from the infected area.
Seek medical advice from your occupational Physician or your General Practitioner to determine which
medication
shall
be the most suitable for you.
Scrupulously follow the directions of use for your anti-malaria medication (before, during and after being
exposed to the Malaria risk) to ensure a safe and efficient protection against Malaria.
The relevant chemoprophylaxis for sub-Saharan Africa is Malarone, Doxycycline or Lariam. You
should
buy
it before your trip, not in sub-Saharan Africa.
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