Roadtown, Tortola - The Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is advising residents that the cruise ships Carnival Freedom and Disney Magic will be visiting the Territory on June 23 and June 25 respectively and that all necessary surveillance measures and H1N1 protocols remain in effect for the passengers and crew.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Carnel Smith stated, “cruise ships are allowed to visit the Territory as long as they adhere to the required protocols, which are measures put in place to avert or reduce the spread of any infectious diseases among travelers and to the resident population.” 

Mr. Smith further stated that the protocols were outlined to cruise ship agents who queried whether visits by their cruise lines would be permitted in the Territory. He explained that the shipmaster must request clearance at least 12 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel.

The Chief Environmental Health Officer further explained that a copy of the ship’s Maritime Health Declaration, passenger and crew manifests, along with a valid Ship Sanitation Exemption Control Certificate, must accompany all requests for clearance.

He also said prior to the arrival of the vessel, all reporting of illnesses on board related to gastrointestinal outbreaks, as well as any other infectious diseases, including H1N1, must be declared.

Mr. Smith stated that “strict adherence to the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) surveillance protocols in relation to H1N1 prevention must be implemented on board throughout the voyage of the vessel and any unusual increase in the number of cases of influenza-like illness among passengers or crew members must be declared and measures of control taken.” Health personnel for the granting of clearance will board visiting ships and high-risk passengers would not be allowed to disembark.

The novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus has infected humans in more than 70 countries and continues to spread. Infection with the H1N1 virus can lead to illnesses and cause symptoms similar to the regular human flu including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have diarrhea and or vomiting associated with the (H1N1) virus.

The Environmental Health Division is the government agency under the portfolio of the Ministry of Health and Social Development responsible for the management of vector control programs as well as monitoring food safety, water quality, institutional hygiene and port health.