The UK Club has received the following update from South African correspondents, P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd, regarding South Africa's response to the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.

QUOTE

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Bikoro in Equateur Province on 8 May 2018. The outbreak declaration occurred after laboratory results confirmed two cases of EVD. Bikoro is situated in Equateur Province on the shores of Lake Tumba in the north-western part of the country near the Republic of the Congo, a very remote and not easily accessible area of the country.

The risk of transmission is low for South Africa and however due to travel between South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo, Points of Entry are vigilant and on high alert in order to prevent the importation of the virus to South Africa.Crew members arriving from this area should be vigilant for symptoms related to EVD and should they present any symptoms related to EVD this must be immediately reported to the Port Health office.

All vessels are profiled prior to entering South African harbours. The Department of Health is on high alert to prevent the possible spread of communicable disease into the country.

UNQUOTE

Members can read the full alert, as well as the South African department of health's update attached.