Ebola at Sea? US Coast Guard Began Monitoring Threat in Summer

Photo Credit: A2012Ebola at sea is a frightening prospect, and one the U.S. Coast Guard began considering as early as August, long before the federal government proposed new airport screening measures.

An Aug. 7 Coast Guard bulletin obtained by FoxNews.com warned the maritime industry to be on the lookout for sailors from West African nations who showed signs of being infected with the deadly virus. And although there have been no known cases of crew members aboard the thriving ocean trade from the region having Ebola, protocols for dealing with it aboard ships and at ports have been put in place.

The August bulletin, entitled “Ebola Virus Precautions,” advised ship owners and operators and others in the maritime industry that:

*Ship representatives are required to report sick or dead crew and passengers within the last 15 days to the CDC.

*Vessel masters must inform any boarding teams from the Coast Guard of any ill crew members on board.

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