open access
The decision making process on public health measures related to passenger ships: the example of influenza pandemic 2009
open access
Abstract
Background. Public health measures at sea ports have posed a challenge for public health competent authorities, especially in the context of the influenza pandemic of 2009. This paper discusses the response of authorities to notifications of infectious diseases on passenger ships and the importance of assessing the risks related to cases of influenza. It further provides options for health measures and considerations for decision making during a pandemic such as the influenza pandemic of 2009.
Discussion. Prevention and control of influenza have included action taken by both competent port authorities and ships’ crews. Assessing the public health risk of each event reported from ships to competent authorities at ports is important before advice is given on implementation of control measures. Public health risk assessment involves appraisal of threats to passengers and crew on board the ship as well as to the population in the community.
Summary. Any public health measures taken should be necessary and proportional to the threat. Measures at ports cannot alone be effective in the prevention of the spread of a disease to the community since other means of transport play a major role. Measures taken on board ships can be effective in containing the disease. Consistent policy based on common protocols and carried out by competent authorities at local, national, European, or international levels are essential. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 241-245)
Abstract
Background. Public health measures at sea ports have posed a challenge for public health competent authorities, especially in the context of the influenza pandemic of 2009. This paper discusses the response of authorities to notifications of infectious diseases on passenger ships and the importance of assessing the risks related to cases of influenza. It further provides options for health measures and considerations for decision making during a pandemic such as the influenza pandemic of 2009.
Discussion. Prevention and control of influenza have included action taken by both competent port authorities and ships’ crews. Assessing the public health risk of each event reported from ships to competent authorities at ports is important before advice is given on implementation of control measures. Public health risk assessment involves appraisal of threats to passengers and crew on board the ship as well as to the population in the community.
Summary. Any public health measures taken should be necessary and proportional to the threat. Measures at ports cannot alone be effective in the prevention of the spread of a disease to the community since other means of transport play a major role. Measures taken on board ships can be effective in containing the disease. Consistent policy based on common protocols and carried out by competent authorities at local, national, European, or international levels are essential. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 241-245)
Keywords
borders; port; passenger ship; international health regulations; health measures; isolation; pandemic; influenza
About this articleTitle
The decision making process on public health measures related to passenger ships: the example of influenza pandemic 2009
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
241-245
Published online
2011-02-24
Page views
795
Article views/downloads
1153
Bibliographic record
IMH 2010;62(4):241-245.
Keywords
borders
port
passenger ship
international health regulations
health measures
isolation
pandemic
influenza
Authors
V.A. Mouchtouri
C.L.R. Bartlett
Bogdan Jaremin
G. Nichols
T. Paux
T. Riemer
N. Black
C. Varela-Martinez
C.M. Swaan
C. Schlaich
G. Rachiotis
J. Kremastinou
C. Hadjichristodoulou
from the SHIPSAN TRAINET project
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