2026-05-09-世界卫生组织-WHO_Technical_note_for_the_disembarkation_and_onward_management_of_passengers_and_crew_in_the_context_of_an_Andes_virus-associated_cluster_MV_Hondius_cruise_ship_10页_393kb

MV Hondius Event Technical Note Summary

Core Content

This technical note provides guidance for public health authorities, port health authorities, and partner agencies on the management of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius event, focusing on public health measures, communication strategies, and operational protocols during disembarkation, onward travel, and follow-up.

---

Main Points

1. Communication

• Managed by: National health authorities, public health and medical evaluation teams, and risk communication specialists.
• Key aspects:
  • Clear, consistent, and timely communication is essential to maintain public trust and ensure safe disembarkation.
  • Information should be provided before, during, and after disembarkation, including explanations of public health measures, what to expect, and next steps.
  • Communication should be reassuring yet vigilant, emphasizing the importance of early symptom reporting and the low risk to the general public.
  • Materials should be available in relevant languages and accessible formats.
  • Two-way communication channels should be established for passengers and crew to ask questions and seek clarification.
  • Coordination across agencies is necessary to avoid contradictory messages.

2. Upon Arrival

• Managed by: Ship captain.
• Key aspects:
  • Required documentation (e.g., Ship Sanitation Certificate, Ship Declaration of Health) must be provided to port health authorities.
  • The ship should comply with public health measures recommended by port health authorities.
  • The captain must notify port health authorities of any suspected cases identified on board.

---

Key Operational Measures

3. Upon Disembarkation

• Managed by: National health authorities at the port of call.
• Key aspects:
  • Disembarkation order: Crew should be prioritized, followed by passengers. Respirators should be provided to all.
  • Luggage handling: Luggage is managed by conveyance operators after disembarkation.
  • Screening area: Should be pre-identified, preferably outdoors, with distancing, ventilation, and hygiene facilities.
  • Screening procedures:
    • Use non-touch thermometers for temperature checks.
    • Ensure at least one meter distance between screener and individual.
    • Provide PPE and hand hygiene stations.
    • Environmental cleaning and disinfection between screenings.
  • Medical evacuation: If symptoms are identified, the individual should be isolated and evacuated to a designated health facility.

4. After Disembarking

• Managed by: National health authorities in the country of repatriation.
• Key aspects:
  • Asymptomatic passengers: Should remain in quarantine or designated facilities for 42 days.
  • Onward travel: Should be discouraged for 42 days unless for life-threatening or humanitarian reasons.
  • Symptoms monitoring: Any symptoms (e.g., fever, fatigue, respiratory issues) should be reported using a follow-up form.
  • Healthcare instructions: Passengers should be given written and verbal information on symptoms, emergency contacts, and procedures for seeking care.

---

Special Considerations

5. Crew Management

• Managed by: Cruise operator and competent authorities.
• Key aspects:
  • Crew should follow the same quarantine and monitoring procedures as passengers.
  • Medical care should be in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
  • Crew should not return to work until they complete active monitoring and quarantine.

6. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

• Managed by: MHPSS team and national health authorities.
• Key aspects:
  • Psychosocial support should be provided to address stress and anxiety.
  • Information should be delivered in a way that respects dignity, privacy, and rights, discouraging stigma and discrimination.

7. Deceased Persons with ANDV Infection

• Managed by: National authorities at the port of call.
• Key aspects:
  • Standard IPC precautions should be applied when handling remains.
  • PPE (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection) should be worn by personnel.
  • Avoid unnecessary manipulation and aerosol-generating procedures.
  • Environmental cleaning and disinfection should be thorough.

8. Ship Disinfection

• Managed by: Conveyance operator and competent authorities.
• Key aspects:
  • Rodent control, cleaning, and disinfection should be implemented.
  • Ship should be inspected for rodents and cleaned according to the Integrated Management Plan and WHO guidance.
  • Disinfection is required until no public health risks remain.

---

Additional Guidance

9. Interim Guidance Updates

• WHO will monitor the situation and issue updates if new information emerges.
• The guidance will expire one year from the date of publication unless revised.

10. Annexes

• Annex 1: Risk communication – outlines the importance of clear and consistent messaging, multilingual support, and coordination.
• Annex 2: IPC for healthcare workers – details PPE use, isolation, and infection control measures.
• Annex 3: Clinical management – includes triage, monitoring, and treatment considerations.
• Annex 4: Laboratory diagnosis – provides information on RT-PCR and serological testing.

---

Key Information

• Public health risk: The risk to the general public remains low, but passengers and crew may still be at risk of developing symptoms.
• PPE requirements: All personnel involved in screening, evaluation, and transport must wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection, respirators (N95, FPP2), gloves, and gowns.
• Quarantine period: All passengers and crew must be monitored for 42 days post-exposure, regardless of test results.
• Testing protocols: Symptomatic individuals should be tested with ANDes virus-specific RT-PCR; asymptomatic contacts may be tested for research purposes.
• Antiviral treatments: No proven antiviral treatments for hantavirus; favipiravir and remdesivir may be used with clinical data capture.

---

Conclusion

This technical note outlines a comprehensive framework for managing the disembarkation and follow-up of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius event, emphasizing coordinated communication, strict IPC measures, and public health monitoring to ensure safety and maintain public trust.