Contenido:

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

Illnesses transmitted by arthropods

These are illnesses which are transmitted by insects or arachnoids through their bites or by their parasitism. They include Yellow fever, malaria, scabies, etc. Information about some of these illnesses can be found in Chapter 8.36, SKIN PARASITES.

Special attention is given to malaria because of the elevated number of sick people who have it and because of its seriousness. It affects the general state of a person and could kill if not adequately treated.

Malaria

Those travelling to Sub-Saharan African run a high risk of catching this illness. Seafarers in the port areas are especially exposed to it (see APPENDIX 6, COUNTRIES WITH THE RISK OF MALARIA). However, malaria is an illness that can be prevented by avoiding the bite of a mosquito.

Recommendations for avoiding mosquito bites

1. For the individual:
   • You should avoid going out between sunset and sunrise, which is when the mosquito normally bites.
   • At night wear light clothing with long sleeves and long trousers and avoid dark colours as these attract the mosquito.
   • Avoid the use of cologne and other perfumes (creams, suntan lotions etc.) as these also attract the mosquito.
   • Apply repellent over the entire surface of any exposed skin, choosing one that contains N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide or dimethyl phthalate and reapply every 3-4 hours. There are several available on the market in both spray and lotion form.
2. In accommodation:
   • Select buildings that are in good condition and hygienic. These are probably in the most developed parts of the city.
   • The doors and windows, as well as the portholes, should have metallic mesh curtains to stop the mosquito entering. If this is not possible, keep them shut at night.
   • If the conditions allow the entry of mosquitoes, hang a mosquito net over the bed, with the ends tucked under the mattress, making sure there are no holes or mosquitoes inside. You can increase protection by spraying the net, windows and doors with permetrine or delta-metrine.
   • Use anti-mosquito sprays, electric insecticides with tablets impregnated with pyrethroids, or burn candles impregnated with pyrethroids in the room during the night. Neither electric buzzing repellents nor taking vitamin B1-containing tablets are of much use.
3. On the ship:
   • Bear in mind that anchored ships can contain mosquitoes even when they are 2 to 3 km offshore.
   • Waste and small puddles on the deck particularly attract mosquitoes. This is why the deck and corridors should be kept clean and drys.
   • Make sure there are no containers or gaps where water can collect (including morning dew) as the mosquito can lay its eggs in these small quantities of water. Special care should be given to the lifeboats, ensuring that they are kept dry.
     
   • Rubbish bags and containers should be sealed correctly. With this simple precaution, the chance of mosquito plagues is reduced spectacularly, especially on those ships in dock or sailing close to shore.
   • The kitchen should be well ventilated, but the windows and doors should be covered by metallic mesh curtains.
   • If, despite all these measures, the mosquitoes still manage to find their way into the cabins, insecticide sprays should be used, concentrating especially under chairs, tables and in dark corners. After spraying, you should wait a while before entering the cabin.
   • Onboard lighting should be dimmed as it also attracts mosquitoes.
   • Sleeping on deck (except under a mosquito net) is not advised under any circumstances.