Port of Santos Strengthens Protocols Amid WHO Ebola Alert

The Port Authority of Santos (APS), responsible for the public infrastructure of the Port of Santos, has intensified its preparedness measures against a possible Ebola virus outbreak on vessels arriving from abroad. This reinforcement comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the disease.

The work is being carried out in collaboration with the Epidemiological Surveillance Group (GVE) of Santos, linked to the São Paulo State Health Secretariat, and with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). Initiatives include training for professionals working in the port environment and strengthening integration among institutions responsible for responding to public health emergencies.

The protocol has already been presented to technical teams from other municipalities in the Baixada Santista region, thus expanding regional coordination to respond to potential incidents.

In late June, pilots participated in training on the use of the Universal Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), aimed at situations where a pilot must board vessels suspected of having Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The activity combined practical demonstrations and technical updates on the disease, covering epidemiology, transmission routes, clinical signs, and prevention measures.

In early July, it was the turn of the medical clinic teams working in the port area. In addition to reviewing general aspects of the disease and demonstrating how to put on and take off personal protective equipment (PPE), participants learned about Annex IV of the Port of Santos Contingency Plan for Public Health Events, which establishes the Response Procedure for Epidemiological Surveillance (VSE), containing guidelines for two scenarios: attending to a suspected case on board and responding to a presumed death during the voyage.

Further training sessions are scheduled, involving other sectors of the port community.