A number of ports in South Korea are taking immediate action against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus that is currently spreading around the country, according to IHS Maritime 360.
PTI previously reported that various ports around the world had taking preventive measures to ward off the Ebola epidemic which came to prominence during mid-2014.
The National Quarantine Station in Busan said: “Since the outbreak began, all quarantine procedures not only for ships coming from the Middle East but also from other places have been completed on board.
“At the moment, any electronic quarantine is not allowed. Our quarantine officials on board check each crew member's fever and condition closely.”
Maritime staff could also be at risk through other types of threats such as ship collisions, which are anticipated to rise in 2015 after hitting at a peak in 2014 at more than 1,600.
This comes amid recent news that around 2,000 seafarers lose their lives every year due to shipping-related incidents.
(Source: iStock)
