Port of Santos implements Ebola prevention measures following WHO Alert

APS reinforced its prevention and response protocols for a potential occurrence of the disease on vessels arriving from abroad (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

Following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding Ebola virus disease, Autoridade Portuária de Santos (APS) has strengthened its prevention and response protocols to address any potential occurrence of the disease on vessels arriving from overseas. The strategy includes specialized training for professionals working within the port complex and enhanced coordination among the agencies responsible for responding to public health emergencies.

The initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the Grupo de Vigilância Epidemiológica (GVE) of Santos, affiliated with the Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, and the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa). The contingency protocol has also been presented to technical teams from other municipalities in the Baixada Santista region, further strengthening regional coordination for the response to suspected cases.

In late June, professionals from Praticagem participated in training focused on the use of the Universal Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), intended for situations in which a marine pilot must board a vessel with a suspected Ebola case. In addition to demonstrating the correct use of the equipment, the training covered the epidemiology of the virus, modes of transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.

In early July, the training was extended to the teams from medical clinics operating within the port area. Participants received guidance on the proper procedures for donning and doffing PPE and were introduced to the Port of Santos Contingency Plan for Public Health Events, which establishes the response protocol for Ebola. The document outlines procedures for two scenarios: the management of a suspected case on board a vessel and the response to a suspected death occurring during the voyage.

According to APS, additional training sessions have already been scheduled and will involve other sectors of the port community.

Ebola is a virus belonging to the genus Orthoebolavirus of the family Filoviridae. Transmission to humans may occur through contact with infected blood, organs, or other bodily fluids. The disease, which is considered severe, causes sporadic outbreaks primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.

On May 17 of this year, the WHO declared that the outbreak caused by the virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). According to the Ministério da Saúde, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease in Brazil to date.