Following an outbreak of M-Pox, formerly known as Monkey Pox, the World Health Organisation has issued advice which is useful to seafarers. M-Pox is spread by direct contact with an infected person. It is endemic in many African countries. Currently there are no international travel restrictions in relation to this outbreak.

There is no need to panic and the outbreak is not widespread. Symptoms to look out for are an unexplained rash with either a headache, a fever, muscle aches, back pain or swollen lymph nodes. If you have symptoms you need to get medical advice immediately and isolate.