Infectious Disease Control

The Hull and Goole Port Health Authority has responsibility for the control of infectious disease affecting the passengers and crew of vessels arriving within our area.

The Public Health (Ships) Regulations 1979 (as amended in June 2007) which reflect the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005 form the legal base for these duties.

Master's of vessels from foreign ports MUST, by law, notify the Authority of any suspected infectious disease, death on board (other than by accident) or the presence of any animal or captive bird or mortality or illness among such animals and any other circumstances which are likely to cause the spread of infectious disease.

If a Master has anything to report he MUST, by law, send a message to the Authority not more than 12 hours and not less than 4 hours before arrival.

He must also complete a Declaration of Health and submit this to an officer of the Authority (see below).

If there is any doubt regarding any aspect of infectious disease control please contact us for advice.

Click here for a copy of our declaration of health and notes to Masters.

We operate a 24 hour/7 day service to enable Masters to comply with the above legal notification requirements. See our Contacts page for details.

Our Doctors (Port Medical Officers) and Inspectors (EHOs) are on-call at all times to visit vessels to enable a diagnosis and recommend further action as required to prevent the spread of infection. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) are the national lead body for port health medical matters and Dr Autilia Newton is the appointed Port Medical Officer.

Health promotion is an important aspect of our work as Port Health Inspectors and we are represented on many local initiatives including the Health Protection Agency Joint Partnership Boards both on the North & South banks of the Humber, the Humber Port Welfare Committee, Humberside Zoonoses Liaison Committee, and The East Riding Local Strategic Partnership.

The Authority has an ongoing programme of HIV & AIDS/STD awareness on board visiting ships and has available multi-lingual videos and leaflets.

The World Health Organization has published the 2007 edition of International Travel & Health and provides information on all the main health risks to which travellers can be exposed during their journeys and at destinations. The full content can be downloaded from here.

The Hull & Goole Port Health Authority has responsibility for the
control of infectious
disease

Further information on infectious diseases can be found by visiting the HPA website.

In July 2007 the HPA published Practical Guidance on Controlling Outbreaks of Norovirus on Cruise Liners and this can be downloaded from their website or from the APHA website.

For global disease outbreak news (with link to the International Health Regulations) visit the WHO website.

Specific guidance on Malaria prevention for travellers can be found on the HPA website.

Travel advice can be found at the National Travel Health Network and Centre website www.nathnac.org or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk

Advice for cruise liner passengers and general ship hygiene advice can be found on the EU Shipsan website.

For advice on sexually transmitted disease please contact Wilberforce Health Centre, Story St., Hull, Tel: 01482 336336 - www.luvhull.co.uk