News: Dengue Fever Epidemic in Philippines

Members are advised that the Philippines declared a national dengue virus epidemic in early August after reporting a significant increase in dengue cases from 2018.

Dengue is spread through infected mosquitos; therefore, members should be aware that crew members embarking from the Philippines may be carriers of the dengue virus. Additionally, vessels taking on cargo or stores from the Philippines or making port calls within 2 to 3 nautical miles from shore should take appropriate preventive measures.

The symptomology of the dengue virus includes high fever and the incubation period can extend to approximately two weeks from the mosquito bite. Consequently, members should be vigilant to any symptoms including fever close in time to cargo operations or crew embarkation in the Philippines.​

The following link provides further information from the World Heath Authority in relation to dengue fever.