China Tightens Port Measures due to Zika Virus

Gard Chinese quarantine authorities now require mosquito eradication certificates from vessels arriving from countries with reported Zika virus transmissions, Norways marine insurance company Gard said citing its correspondents Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service. The Chinese Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) also said that all passengers with symptoms of the Zika virus travelling aboard ships are to be reported to CIQ prior to the vessels arrival to port. People who get Zika usually do not have any symptoms, however, those who do get symptoms could experience a fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain or a headache. In an attempt to avoid introducing the virus via seagoing vessels, China has strengthened its quarantine inspection requirements after Gard released its publication on South Korean port inspection measures. According to Gard’s correspondent, local QIC offices’ application of the new arrival instructions may vary and some ports may not require a mosquito eradication certificate as part of the port entry formalities, but only an entry inspection by the local CIQ officer. The new instructions from CIQ came into affect on March 2, Gard added.